Champagne Jacquesson Dizy Terres Rouges Extra Brut 2008

Date of Tasting: 16 September 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling Rose

Grape Varieties: 71% Pinot Meunier, 29% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Dizy, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR90

Web: http://www.champagnejacquesson.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 91/100
Critics' Opinion: AG - 93/100, WE - 90/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: Dark rose pink.

Aroma: Exotic dried rose. Red currant. Spices.

Palate: Certainly dry. Concentrate with rich ripe red fruits. Bright acidity. Fine effervescence. 

Very unusual rose Champagne. Very dry, yes, it is Extra Brut. I would say it was big on the structure rather than aromatic lingering rose. Would I say it was nice? Yes, it was enjoyable. But I did not find this one so appealing nor sexy. At least it was a good experience. Enjoy it now. Perhaps you may need food to go with this Champagne.

Champagne Bollinger La Grand Annee 2004

Date of Tasting: 24 July 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir 70%, Chardonnay 30%

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Ay, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.champagne-bollinger.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, AG - 95/100, WS - 94/100, WE - 96/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 18.5/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Yellow straw.

Aroma: Toasty nose. Yeasty too. Fruity as well.

Palate: Nice cut of acidity and honey citrus. Orange peel. Hazelnut. Fine mousse. Powerful but yet it was refreshing. Minerally and elegant.

Fine bottle of Champagne to be savoured now. However, there are all means to support development over the decade. It is the matter of strong gut in keeping your hands off to see how it matures in the near future. Had it along with Chinese food and they played along with each other nicely though, especially those not so strong dishes like fish maw soup. If having as aperitif, remind yourself to keep hands off before you don't get a chance to drink other wine.

Champagne Philipponnat Grand Blanc 2006

Date of Tasting: 10 April 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Mareuil-Sur-Ay, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://www.philipponnat.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 88/100, WS - 92/100, ST - 93/100

Appearance: Light golden yellow

Aroma: Toasty nutty chalky with scent of orchid 

Palate: Flavour of fresh apple and pear. Mild chalky creamy touch. Fine citrus and minerality. Full and complex with fairly minerality but yet velvety.

This is a Blanc de Blancs version of Philipponnat aka 100% chardonnay. Personally, Blanc de Blancs is my kind of champagne, though some might not like it. This Champagne Philipponnat Grand Blanc 2006 is a fine one. So much joy exhibits out of each glass. What I love about this champagne is the concentration that bursts out and elegant personality. Highly recommended now and especially on a hot Summer day. Keep raising the glass!!!!

Podere Forte Wine Dinner @ Enoteca Italiana Bangkok

Cuisine: Italian

Map: Podere Forte Wine Dinner @ Enoteca Italiana Bangkok

Charged Price: THB3,500 per person

Visited: 21 April 2015

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 5/10

Services: 6/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

It's another night of wine dinner and again at Enoteca Italiana Bangkok. It had been Valdicava wine dinner back in November 2014 and this time was Podere Forte wine dinner. The night started with Champagne from Larmandier-Bernier as aperitif, followed by Petruccino, Petrucci, and finished with vertical of Guardiavigna 2008 - 2010. They were all fantastic and delightful. Here are brief notes:

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Latitude NV (91/100): Excellent champagne with good qpr. At the price around EUR30 a bottle, it's awesome. This is Blanc de Blancs aka chardonnay. Larmandier-Bernier Latitude is an example of pure and elegant style. It is creamy and it is full. But yet complexity and smoothness lie within. Aroma of pear, anise, and orchard. Full on the palate with minerality, lemon, and stone. Mild honey and almond. Lovely aperitif to enjoy within a few years of release. (~ EUR30)

Podere Forte Petruccino 2012 (90/100): This is a lovely sangiovese-merlot blend (70:30). It is drinking beautifully now. Exhibit cherry and raspberry flavour. Mild spices and mint on the secondary note. Attractive aroma of red fruits and floral. Fine finish. Medium-full structure. Modern. (~ EUR30)

Podere Forte Petrucci 2010 (95/100): It's WOTN for me. Still a little young but accessible. Sexy bouquet of cherry and raspberry jumped out aggressively followed by flowers and spices. Savoury sangiovese fruits on the palate. Medium bodied and fine tannins. Outstanding texture and acidity integrated well. Gentleman of the night, it was. 100% Sangiovese. (~ EUR100)

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2008 (93/100), 2009 (92/100), 2010 (94/100): Guardiavigna is bordeaux blend with cabernet franc and merlot as the key grapes and petit verdot as the final touch. Three of them were nice but presented totally different characters. In common, they showed bouquet of cassis, black currants, eucalyptus, spices, and hint of tobacco and earth. All of them have full structure with oakiness especially 2009 vintage which was broodingly chewy too. To me, 2010 vintage is more of finesse and elegant, whilst 2009 vintage is about power and muscle. As for 2008 vintage, it might not be as as beauty as vintage 2010 but the opulent style of 2008 clicked with my sense more. These are fine wines but they come with some price tag as well. (~ EUR80)

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Latitude NV

Podere Forte Petruccino 2012

Podere Forte Petrucci 2010

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2008

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2009

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2010

Podere Forte Wine Dinner @ Enoteca Italiana Bangkok
39 Soi Sukhumvit 27
Sukhumvit Road
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110

Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 06:00pm - midnight

Tel: +66 (0) 2258 4386
Web: http://www.enotecabangkok.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/EnotecaBangkok

Champagne Henri Giraud AY Grand Cru Fut de Chene MV

Date of Tasting: 14 February 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: ~ 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Champagne, France

Appellation: Ay Grand Cru

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR110

Web: http://www.champagne-giraud.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Professional Rating: WA - 91/100, AG - 94/100, WS - 94/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Yellow

Aroma: Apple, ripe peach, lemon zest, and menthol.

Palate: Nutty flavour. Fine and creamy mousse. Layers of citrus fruits, grapefruit, and pinot fruits with vibrant acidity. Rich minerality. Persistent finish.

Based on August 2014 disgorgement, it is a non-vintage champagne of opulent personality combining power with unique elegance. Needless to say much. It's a champagne with sleekness and personality that ones shall deserve on a special occasion and festive season. But why wait for such event if you feel like one now. Salute!!!

Schloss Vaux Cuvee Vaux Brut 2011

Date of Tasting: 28 December 2014

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Rheingau, Germany

Appellation: Klassische Flaschengarung

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR15

Web: https://www.schloss-vaux.de/
Chubby Appreciation: 89/100
Professional Rating: n.a.

Appearance: Light yellow

Aroma: Mineral and melon

Palate: Fine acidity and effervescence. Citrus, apple, and peach notes. Dry and crisp.

This bottle of sparkling wine fro Germany is a no joke production. A pretty nice and delicious at good value aperitif with the marriage between, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Harmonious but yet hidden with power. It should be a brilliant entertainer for a few years. Grab some oysters to savour or a chillax weekend as aperitif will also do. Cheers!!!!!

Bellavista Franciacorta Alma Cuvee Brut DOCG NV

Date of Tasting: 13 September 2014

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: 80% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), 1% Pinot Bianco

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Lombardy, Italy

Appellation: Franciacorta DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,000

Web: http://www.bellavistawine.it/
Chubby Score: 90/100
Value for money: 7/10
Professional Rating: WA - 92/100, AG - 90/100, WE - 92/100, JR - 16/20, CT - 90/100

Appearance: bright straw yellow

Aroma: white flowers, ripe pear, and hint of vanilla

Palate: creamy fine bubble with satisfying finish. vibrant and harmony notes of tanginess and white fruits: pear and apple. 

An Italian champagne and yes it is Italian with Methode Champenoise. It was seductive, smooth, energetic but yet elegant. A fruity style that is enjoyable at any moment. The lot was L0234-14023000208 which may survive well for a said period of 5 years. Looking to grab more for my cellar.

Champagne Philipponnat Royale Reserve Rose Brut NV

Date of Tasting: 3 August 2014

Wine Type: Sparkling (rose)

7Grape Varieties: 75% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, 5% Meunier

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Mareuil-Sur-Ay, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000

Web: http://www.philipponnat.com/
Chubby Score: 91/100
Value for money: 7/10
Professional Rating: AG - 87/100, WS - 91/100, WE - 90/100, ST - 90/100, BH - 92/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: pinky orange

Aroma: notes of strawberry, light red fruits, tangerine, and grapefruit. some smoky minerality.

Palate: full with purity and elegance. smooth crispy effervescence. fine fruit forward. it also shows bright acidity.

Based on 2008 vintage and disgorged in April 2013. Feminine in style with minor touch of sweetness in the background. Enjoy the round volume of this non vintage structure. It is superb as aperitif and to go with fruity based dessert.

Champagne Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut NV

Date of Tasting: 5 July 2014

Wine Type: Sparkling

Grape Varieties: 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Mareuil-Sur-Ay, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000

Web: http://www.philipponnat.com/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 8/10
Professional Rating: AG - 88/100, WS - 92/100, WE - 91/100, ST - 90/100, BH - 90/100, JR - 16/20, DC - 16/100, CT - 89/100

Appearance: pale golden yellow

Aroma: citrus and white fruits aroma

Palate: primary note of lemon and grapefruit with mild toasted almond and apple. fine effervescence with creamy texture. dry. lingering acidity possessed with energy.

Disgorged in May 2013 and base on 2010 vintage. In short, refreshing and pretty nice as an aperitif. It is also great with seafood like oyster or sushi. Love the energy and fine structure. More bottles should be popped up. Big cheers!!!!!!!!!!

Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 1995

Date of Tasting: 25 April 2014

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12.0%

Origin: Reims, France

Appellation: Champagne (blanc de blancs)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB5,000

Web: http://www.charlesheidsieck.com/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 2/10
Professional Rating: WA - 94/100, WS - 96/100, WE - 94/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 18/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: bright golden yellow and fine effervescence

Aroma: lemon, apple, butterscotch and white flower with toasty nutty almond and yeasty scents

Palate: Medium bodied and dry palate. creamy mousse. citrus notes. mineral and rich concentration. spices and herbs and vibrant complexity. fresh acidity.

This all Chardonnay sparkling range from Charles Heidsieck worked pretty beautifully. I like the fine effervescence that combines well with mineral and the texture. Just the yeasty part that I personally do not like. Interesting and pleasurable but might not be so value for money. Another bottle left and shall see how it evolves.

Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV

Date of Tasting: 31 December 2013

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Reims, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000

Web: http://www.louis-roederer.com/
Chubby Score: 89/100
Value for money: 5/10
Professional Rating: WA - 92/100, WS - 91/100, WE - 91/100, ST - 89/100, JR - 17/20, DC - 16.5/20, FS - 92/100, CT - 89/100

Appearance: pale lemony yellow with fine bubbles

Aroma: almond and toast character, lemon, and yeast

Palate: rich and dry with citrus and green apple flavour as well as mineral. acid is on somewhat high side. clean and sharp. fine and creamy mousse with lively texture. show medium length on the palate.

Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV is simply a beautiful non-vintage that can be perfect for all festive occasions. It combines power, complexity, and elegant together. This should be so good with sushi. I personally like this non-vintage champagne to a degree though champagne is never cheap.

Bottega il Vino dell Amore Petalo Moscato Spumante Dolce N.V.

Date of Tasting: 15 November 2013

Wine Type: Sparkling Rose

Grape Varieties: 100% Moscato (Muscat)

Alcohol: 6.5%

Origin: Veneto, Italy

Appellation: Colli Euganei

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,000 - 1,500 (retail price in Thailand)

Web: http://www.alexander.it/
Chubby Score: 87/100
Value for money: 3/10
Professional Rating: CT - 86/100

Appearance: light straw yellow

Aroma: pear and tropical fruits with floral floor

Palate: lightly fruity with tropical charms, candy sweetness but not overly done, hint of white flower fragrance, frothy with fine bubble texture, low in acid and perhaps insufficient to balance, short finish, lack of complexity

An enjoyable sparkling that you would surely please majority of women. The light taste with low alcohol make it easily drunk. Being moscato spumante with of course sweetness does not it putting off gentlemen, its freshness makes this Bottega Moscato accessible to gentlemen too. Though it is not my kind of sparkling, I would say I can enjoy it as aperitif but not with food. As for value for money, it can be a little overpriced from my view. By the way, do serve it cold to enjoy it. Anyway, this can be a choice for party.

De Bortoli Divici Prosecco Extra Dry DOC

Date of Tasting: 19 January 2013

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: 100% Glera

Alcohol: 11.0%

Origin: Veneto, Italy

Appellation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)

Expect to Pay: THB800 – 1,200 (retail price in Thailand)

Web: http://www.debortoli.com.au/
Chubby Score: 90/100
Value for money: 7/10
Professional Rating: n.a.

Appearance: pale yellow

Aroma: fruity bouquet with apple and lemon reminicense

Palate: delicate creamy foam, light floral and acacia, fine and soft acid, rich in peachy and fruity scent on the palate, well balance

This prosecco is somewhat rare in Bangkok. It is actually enjoyable and delightful. Very pleasant as aperitif or with light seafood. It is kind of light sparkling that can be fun to drink at any party. Like it. Consume now if you have in stock.

La Fornarina Valdobiadene Prosecco Superior Millesimato 2011

Date of Tasting: 6 April 2013

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: 100% Glera

Alcohol: 11.5%

Origin: Veneto, Italy

Appellation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

Expect to Pay: THB750 – 1,000 (retail price in Thailand)

Web: n.a.
Chubby Score: 86/100
Value for money: 6/10
Professional Rating: n.a.

Appearance: pale greenish yellow

Aroma: toasted almond and flowers

Palate: abundant of effervescence that rather fine, modest acidity and tangy fruits

Not even sure how I grab my hand on this bottle of prosecco by La Fornarina. Anyway, this is an enjoyable aperitif type of sparkling wine which shows some level of elegant but still lack complexity. This is for drinking now. Perhaps sushi or light fish course or oyster should match well with it.