Just a few short notes from Champagnes drunk over the past few weeks:
NV Guy Larmandier Champagne Blanc de Blanc Brut Cramant. This takes some time to open up and features a somewhat austere nose of crisp minerals, chalk, sea shells and green apples. It is sharply defined in the mouth, with laser focus to its intense minerality. It slowly fans out to reveal more notes of smoke, apple and citrus peel. If finishes crisp and fresh, but again a touch austere.
NV Lassalle Champagne Brut. The color is a somewhat darker gold. The nose features complex notes of nutmeg, other dark spices, distinct caramel, creme brulee topping, nectarine pit and buttered biscuits. It sports a very creamy texture, yet finely-chiseled acidity. There are some yellow and red (cranberry) fruits in the mouth. It finishes dry but far from austere.
1996 Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru. This is a delightful deep golden yellow color, with fine, densely packed bubbles. On the nose, one is greeted by aromas of caramel, rich butter biscuit, dark ginger, copper kettle and poached spiced apples. This is a really mouthfilling sparkler, sporting full body and a texture alternating between creamy and fascinatingly mealy. It has outstanding length from beginning to end and features a very expansive mid-palate. Flavors of spiced apples and pears and warm pie crust are prominent. The finish is particularly long and finely balanced, with strong ginger notes. Classic Egly-Ouriet style dialed up to 11.
-Michael