For a Champagne house of such stature, it was a bit startling to see how little wine there is in the cellar. All of the Salon wine from the 1999, 2002, and 2004 vintages - all that there is for the whole world, is in this cellar (that looked kind of like a garage). Then we went upstairs to the tasting room. MORE >>

Most of us would say yes, and that's probably because his practices in the vineyard and in the cellar reflect the values that are encapsulated within the grower Champagne ethos. Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon pouring 2002 Cristal. 2002 and 2004 Cristal, and pretty tasty too. Entry hall at Champagne Louis Roederer. MORE >>

The seminar and tasting for New York journalists was held March 8 and included a larger representation of cool climate VQA Chardonnays featuring 54 wines from 31 Canadian wineries located in British Columbia and Ontario. Cave Spring Cellars Blancs de Blancs Brut 2004. Cave Spring Cellars CSV 2007. Flatrock Cellars Reserve 2007. MORE >>

It’s the time of year when distributors and/or importers have annual (or semi-annual) portfolio tastings. Yesterday was the Polaner Selections tasting and I dropped by for a while in the second half. All the wines bear the signature of firm tannins that cry out for cellaring. Below are a few impressions and photos. MORE >>

We went inside and warmed up by the fireplace before heading next door to her cellars and winery. The same sensibility extends to the cellar, where she makes the wines without filtration, without cold-stabilization and without any sulfur at disgorgement. Ledru disgorges every bottle she makes by hand. neighbor helps her, she said. MORE >>