2006 Bertrand-Delespierre Champagne Brut Premier Cru

Wine: 2006 Bertrand-Delespierre Champagne Brut Premier Cru
Estate: Bertrand-Delespierre

Location: 1er Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne (Chamery) 
Winemaker: Didier Bertrand and Chantal Delespierre
Location: Drank at S&E Wine Club Burgundy on 2/12/2016

Tasting Note:

In honor of Valentine's Day here is one of the many wines enjoyed this weekend in celebration! We started off the weekend with a great vintage bottle of champagne brought over by on of our friends. Bertrand-Delespierre is known as a "Recoltant Manipulant", this means they are a Grower's Champagne. What exactly is a Grower's Champagne? 

Grower's Champagne means that they make champagne exclusively from their own vineyards/estate. A few big differences between Grower's Champagne and mass produced champagne is that it is generally of higher quality and very distinctive in expressing their terroir. The 2006 vintage is made of vines averaging 25 years old and this vintage is comprised of equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The wines made by Bertrand-Delespierre are only made from the first pressing of a traditional Champagne press. Matured for at least three years on the lees before disgorgement. 

Wine was straw yellow. Love the nose. Started off slightly nutty with some yeast, toasted with a bit of oak then finished off earthy and rustic. Moderate acidity (5.5/10) that was balanced throughout. Great bubbles, and the acidity grips and hangs throughout the palate. Moderate body with some kiwis, pears and green apples kind of like Granny Smith apples. Slightly tangy with some rustic and earthy notes. Well integrated and balanced. Very smooth with a lingering moderate plus finish. and the moderate plus dry finish. Great bottle of champagne. We need to look at more grower champagnes in the future. 

Dates: Now till 2025

Rating: 91

Price: $$ - Between $40.00 and $50.00

2006 August Cellars Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir

Wine: 2006 August Cellars Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir
Estate: August Cellars 

Region: Chehalem Mountains AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker: Jim Schaad

Elevage: Unknown

Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir.

Decant: 2 hour decant.

Location: Tasted at home watching James Bond on 1/21/2016.

Tasting Note:
Gave this bottle a two hour decant before trying. Wine was garnet red and very close to brick red especially around the edges. Very floral and full of lilacs. A little bit of raspberries and metal near the end. Moderate tannins (5/10) and light refreshing body coated with some solid acidity. Moderate finish that is slightly metallic and tangy. Light red berries. Very smooth and fresh. Just what we expected a well made Oregon Pinot Noir to be like. Could improve past 90 if the metal wears off. 
Dates: Drink till 2017.

Rating: 90+
Price: $ - $24.00

2006 Kanonkop Pinotage

Wine: 2006 Kanonkop Pinotage
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 16 months in 80% new French oak, primarily Vicard barrels, and 20% second fill French oak.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Garnet red with some bricking around the edges.

Nose/Smell: Very savory, meaty notes and mesquite smoke.

Palate/Taste: Moderate tannins (6/10) and full bodied. Very well integrated and savory. Solid acidity and all fits very well together. Long and lingering finish.

Opinion: A lot more approachable than the 2013. Of course a lot softer tannins and more integrated. Can easily last up to another 10 years but would be perfect before 2020.

Dates: Now till 2026.
Rating: 93

Price: $ - R370.00 or $24.67 as of 12/19/2015