2012 Domaine Guerrin et Fils Pouilly-Fuissé La Maréchande

Wine: 2012 Domaine Guerrin et Fils Pouilly-Fuissé La Maréchande
Estate: Domaine Guerrin et Fils
Region: Pouilly-Fuissé, Maconnais, Burgundy, France

Location: Drank at S&E Wine Club Burgundy on 2/12/2016

Tasting Note:
We wanted to introduce some white wines to the quarterly tastings. This bottling from Domaine Guerrin et Fils is from La Maréchande in the Pouilly-Fuissé sub-region of Burgundy, France. This vineyard is south-ward facing with a soil composition mixed of clay and limestone. Made of 100% Chardonnay.

Aged in 15% new oak for 10 to 12 months with the remaining barrels having been used for up to five years. Prior to aging this wine is extracted using a pneumatic press. A pneumatic press uses air pressure to extract juice from fresh grapes. 

Decanted for 2.5 hours and left open in the bottle, this was set up for a blind tasting. Wine was clear and light yellow. A little tight to start on the nose with slight tropical notes and light green apples too. Low to moderate acidity (4.5/10), and is really smooth. On the palate there were notes of light green apples like granny smith apples, tropical and citrus notes. Undertones of nuts, some white peach and a touch buttery. Moderate body with a moderate plus finish. Acidity and body were beautifully balanced. Smooth and refreshing. absolutely beautiful to drink. Can easily develop secondary notes with a few years in the bottle. Drink now till 2025.
Rating: 92

Price: $$ - $34.46 from Weygandt Wines in Washington, DC.

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

N.V. Colmant Brut Réserve

Wine: N.V. Colmant Brut Réserve
Estate: Colmant Cap Classique & Champagne
Location: Franschhoek Valley, South Africa
Winemaker: Nicholas Follet
Elevage: 30 months in lees at a constant temperature before degorgement.
Varietals: 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay.
Decant: None, placed in ice before serving.
Location: Il Canale in Georgetown on 12/31/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Pale yellow and moderate fizziness.

Nose/Smell: Slightly savory to start. Otherwise very tight.

Palate/Taste: Slightly dry,  and no minerality! 

Opinion: So much fizz, cork exploded before the metal was even off. No minerality which we love.

Dates: Now till 2017.
Rating: 90
Price: $$ - $26.39