The Auswine Forum

conformistpete wrote: How do I tell which NV bottling is primarily 08?

The back label tells you disgorged date and a "laid in chalk cellars" date...

If it says it was laid in chalk cellars in "2009" then it is an '08 based wine.. same formula for other years, take a year off the "laid in chalk cellars" date and that's the base vintage...

Thanks!

conformistpete wrote:

deejay81 wrote:
Charles Heidseick is my go to sub $100 NV, this is probably closest to Krug for the price, their 08 based NV is superb.

it.

How do I tell which NV bottling is primarily 08?

I don't really see CH as Kruglike at all. Krug sees lots of oak, CH doesn't really see much at all, if any. And CH undergoes malo whereas only an infinitesimally small proportion of Krug typically does. Add those two factors together, and for me, they become almost polar opposites. I will admit, the grape varietal proportions are similar though.

Just my $0.02 worth, and I'm sure better palates than mine would disagree with me.

Mike Hawkins wrote: I don't really see CH as Kruglike at all. Krug sees lots of oak, CH doesn't really see much at all, if any. And CH undergoes malo whereas only an infinitesimally small proportion of Krug typically does. Add those two factors together, and for me, they become almost polar opposites. I will admit, the grape varietal proportions are similar though.

Just my $0.02 worth, and I'm sure better palates than mine would disagree with me.

They're good points...

I shouldn't have been so vague in my comparison, what I meant it is Krug like in the Krug MV sense... as in a pretty high proportion of the wine is made up of reserve wines (I think 40% or so?) with the base vintage quite distinguishable from the label...

Thanks deejay

Thought I'd revive this thread. As the weather warms up, it's time to drink more Champagne. I tried 3 different NV's over the past week in the $70 to $80 price bracket.

Henriot Brut Souverain -- my favourite.
Devaux Cuvée D Brut -- very good.
Vincent Couche Brut Elegance -- nice, but not enough acidity on the finish. I wouldn't buy again.

I like my Champagne's dry or even bone dry, with a nice wisp of acidity on the finish.

What are your recommendations under $80?

I'd be very interested in any recommendations of the dry style of bubbles under say $40. Aussies make some great bubbles at more reasonable prices.

Carl

Chuck wrote:I'd be very interested in any recommendations of the dry style of bubbles under say $40. Aussies make some great bubbles at more reasonable prices.

Can't go wrong with Arras at any price point. I also like Kreglinger Vintage Brut. Some 2007's still around at $40 if you shop around.

If you're open to Pet Nat, I love the Sassafras Ancestral (~$30). Unlike many Pet Nat's, I find the Sassafras is very consistent bottle to bottle.

rossmckay wrote:Laherte Freres ultradition stood out in a recent tasting. $60 or thereabouts.

I paid $69 and still very happy. 60% Pinot Meunier 30% Chard 10% Pinot Noir a beautiful wine.

Ozzie W wrote: Can't go wrong with Arras at any price point. I also like Kreglinger Vintage Brut. Some 2007's still around at $40 if you shop around.

100% Oz, cannot go wrong with Arras.

I enjoy Vintage Clover Hill and Vintage Janz in the good years as well. Yes they are more commercial I know, but for that $40 price
point, they are very good value.... especially the Clover Hill.

cleanskinlover wrote:

rossmckay wrote:Laherte Freres ultradition stood out in a recent tasting. $60 or thereabouts.

I paid $69 and still very happy. 60% Pinot Meunier 30% Chard 10% Pinot Noir a beautiful wine.

Thanks very much for the tip. Drinking a glass now. Disgorged October 2017. Dosage 4.5g/L.

Tart Granny Smith apple, yellow stone fruits, lemon, almonds, brioche. Dry finish. So easy to drink and punches way above its weight at $60. My style of Champagne. More please!