Lalou Vintage 1998, along with comparing it to Mumm’s Cremant, signature Cordon Rouge NV, and Brut Rose. Lalou Vintage 1998 is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (50/50) with the Chardonnay coming from the vineyard parcels of les Briquettes, les Bionnes, and la Croix de Cramant. Cuvee R. MORE >>

Lalou Vintage 1998, along with comparing it to Mumm’s Cremant, signature Cordon Rouge NV, and Brut Rose. Lalou Vintage 1998 is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (50/50) with the Chardonnay coming from the vineyard parcels of les Briquettes, les Bionnes, and la Croix de Cramant. Cuvee R. MORE >>

There was very little excitement for it, with most professional wine writers comparing it to 1998. I remember the 2000 vintage as a whirlwind of excitement. This was before the Tech Bubble Burst, Enron imploded, 9/11, and eight years of Bush Part Deux. At the time, bridges were literally for sale. In other words, a loser. Unctuous and opaque. MORE >>

Underachievers: 1998 Chateau Simone Palette Blanc - Served blind at our dinner. Perhaps the top producer in Verzenay, Lallement makes tiny quantities of superb wine, based mostly on Pinot Noir. Cuvée Réserve is made from the estate's older vines, 80% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, and is a blend of at least two vintages. MORE >>

began in a French table area and tried some Sancerres (made from Sauvignon Blanc), some white Burgundys (made from Chardonnay) and some white blends. He wants his wines to show a nice purity of fruit (Chardonnay) and as such uses large 600 liter (mostly neutral) barrels. Made from Chardonnay, this wine had an exploding bouquet. MORE >>