Wine Enthusiast (98)

The wine's name stands for recently disgorged and this vintage Champagne was taken off its lees in 2018. That gave many years for it to develop its depth of flavor, richness and beautifully memorable toasty flavors. Drink through 2028.

Matthew Jukes (19+)

The latest release of R.D. – Bollinger’s iconic ‘Recently Disgorged or Récemment Dégorgé’ wine is something completely out of the ordinary. My one-word description for this sensational wine is ‘controlled’. I say this because what I adore about every single vintage of R.D. which I have tasted (and there have been many – see below) is the seeming lack of control in every sip. R.D. should be and usually is an absurdly decadent and unpredictable wine, firing off ostentatious flavour and extraordinary detail in every direction. This is why I love it so much and also why I only open it on very special occasions! What is remarkable about this particular vintage is its restraint and levity coupled with the extraordinary length of finish. After 14 years on lees, this wine is as power-packed and energised as it could possibly be and with the extra edge and vivacity coming from a fulsome percentage of Verzenay Pinot fruit (29%) added to the usual heartbeat coming from the Aÿ Pinot core (26%) this is a dynamic red fruit-dominant cocktail. The overall blend is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay coming from 14 Crus with 91% Grands Crus in this vintage. The dosage is a keen 3 grams per litre and all disgorgement is done by hand, as usual. But in 2007 the result is atypical, enchanting, surprisingly refreshing and amazingly delicious. I opened this bottle at 11.00 am and did not stopper it for a full 12 hours. I even sneaked half a glass with a chicken curry at supper time and it worked like a dream. This is not a massive firework of a wine that explodes gloriously and then is gone. Instead, it is a blazing torch of flavour with phenomenal persistence and balance and this makes it unmissable in every serious Champagne lover’s cellar.

James Suckling (99)

Amazing aromas of sweet uncooked pie crust with almonds. Then you smell dried apples, apricots and pineapple. Grilled fruits, too. Full-bodied. So tangy and energetic with sizzling acidity and creamy tannins. Flavorful and lightly oxidized at the finish. Smacking my lips. Agile. Ginger and spices. A touch of bitter complexity with some salinity. Extreme character that grabs your attention. 13 years and six months aging on the lees with cork. 3 grams dosage. 71% pinot noir and 29% chardonnay. Don’t serve too cold. Drink or hold.

Richard Juhlin (98)

The world has about 3,000 bottles to fight off of this extraterrestrial nectar. I am delighted that they have dared to have 8 grams of sugar in its dosage this seductive vintage. From the beginning, my senses are bombarded by colossal impressive, magnificent and colorful impressions. The essence of inflated fruit is similar to a Beerenauslese from Rheingau as well as white and red Burgundy of the finest brand. Extremely drinkable from start in a similar style as the 1990 and 1989 back in the days. Personally, I am convinced that VVF has become even more concentrated and high-graded when the vineyard in Bouzy disappeared and we are dealing with 100% Aÿ. 2008 has all the conditions to become one of history's greatest. Until then, I'm delighted to enjoy this deliciously sensuous dainty bit which on the highest volume conveys notes of orange marmalade, honey, roses, honeysuckle, olive oil, tar, black truffle and cep mushroom in a unisoned golden symphony

Wine Advocate (100)

Disgorged in September 2020 with four grams per liter dosage, Bollinger's 2008 Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Françaises is one of the monumental wines of this great vintage. Soaring from the glass with a generous, honeyed bouquet of pear, orange rind, dried fruits, mocha and toasted bread, it's full-bodied, textural and enveloping, with huge concentration, racy acids and a pillowy mousse. Vinous, rich and sumptuous, it concludes with an immensely long, resonant finish. Bollinger waited until the grapes of these ungrafted vines attained 11% potential alcohol before harvesting, and they have produced the most powerful wine of the vintage—as well as one of the most profound.

Vinous (96+)

Bollinger’s 2009 Vieilles Vignes Françaises is tightly wound and reserved, which is quite surprising given the warm, dry weather of the vintage. That won’t be a problem in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. With a few hours of air, apricot, plum, spice, dried cherry and candied orange peel start to appear, but the 2009 remains rather taut. In some years, VVF can be quite opulent, 2002 and 2010 come to mind. The 2009, on the other hand is much more vibrant. I wouldn’t plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. VVF remains one of the most compelling wines – still or sparkling – in the world. It emerges from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines in Aÿ’s Chaudes Terres and Clos St. Jacques lieu-dits and is vinified and aged in barrel. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.

Vinous (97)

The 2010 Vieilles Vignes Françaises dazzles from the very first impression with striking aromatic presence and utterly captivating balance. Mirabelle, sweet red cherry, jasmine and passion fruit are some of the many notes that give the 2010 its decidedly racy, exotic personality. The 2010 exudes rare energy for this vintage, which was hardly easy in the field, not to mention real pedigree. It is absolutely unforgettable. I only hope to have a chance to taste it again someday.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2009 Corton is impeccably refined from start to finish. Endless layers of red fruit, flowers, licorice and sweet spices caress the palate in this impeccable, breathtaking red. This is an absolutely gorgeous, striking wine endowed with extraordinary textural finesse and elegance. Sweet, perfumed notes caress the palate on the rich, resonant finish. In 2009, the Corton is pure finesse and class. Ideally, the 2009 is best left alone for at least a few years, but readers will need to be disciplined, as the wine is already delicious, even today. Anticipated maturity: 2014+.

Vinous (95)

Very sexy aromas of apple, wild herbs, spices and soil. Boasts outstanding breadth and sweetness, with lovely savory complexity to the flavors of medicinal herbs, citrus fruits and powdered stone. Really superb tension in the mouth here. The echoing, building finish conveys an impression of outstanding density and a strong saline character. Showing spectacularly today but it's hard to believe that this wine won't shut down in bottle at some point.

Decanter (93)

Bouchard's evocatively named parcel is a monopoly holding that covers 3.9ha on sand and gravel soils in the heart of Beaune Grèves. Picked early but still pretty ripe, this has tobacco pouch and clove aromas from 20% whole bunches, layers of mulberry and raspberry fruit, aromatic 20% new wood and a backdrop of sinewy, granular tannins.

Jancis Robinson (18.5)

Naughty heavy bottle. Medium-deep colour. Rich, multi-layered nose of slate, clove, red fruit and spice that is beautifully integrated. That integration and finesse continues through the palate, with beautiful, elegant tannins. This is a triumph of how to handle intensity and structure without being stolid. Bravo!

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

This is all on the red soil part of Bonnes Mares, vinified with 100% whole bunches. Pretty lighter brighter colour, some reduction, then whole bunch strawberries. Generous fruit on the palate, quite complex, very stylish and with fine promise. A fine long aftertaste.

James Suckling (94-95)

The nose has a restrained, mineral edge. Gun-smoke and flinty notes, wild herbs and sous bois with super fine cherries, as well as crushed red flowers. All very delicate this early in its journey. The palate has a sleek and appealingly powerful feel that expands fully on fine, long and fresh tannins. The regal finish is already impressive. Try from 2023.

James Suckling (100)

Its really hard to imagine how a white Brugundy could be more flinty and minerally than this super-concentrated and super-vibrant Chevalier Montrachet. Lovely aromas of lemon blossom, jasmine, tangerine and nectarine, alongside all the stony stuff. Then comes the staggeringly long finish that is totally pure and precise. From Bouchard’s 2.3-hectare holding, which comprises almost a third of the entire Grand Cru site. Drink or hold.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has quite a perfumed bouquet with brambly red fruit, sous-bois and wilted rose petals. This has delicacy and finesse. The palate is medium-bodied with a citrus-fresh entry, blood orange and marmalade infusing the dark berry fruit. Nicely proportioned with just a little oak to be soaked up on the chewy finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

The Bouchard holding in Le Corton is made up of white marl on top of limestone slabs, and protected by the forest from the evening sun. Pale lemon and lime. The nose is slightly backward, delicate little flowers, but with the correct stony, almost gravelly aspect. Some riper fruit notes putting their heads above the parapet. A significant saline character too, behind. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: October 2023.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

The 2019 Echézeaux Grand Cru is showing especially well, bursting with scents of peonies, blood orange, wild plums, cassis and exotic spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and expressive, it's lively and sapid, with a pretty core of fruit, bright acids and powdery tannins. This derives from domaine holdings in En Orveaux, where Weber identifies appreciable diurnal shift as a source of freshness.

Vinous (98)

The 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru has a slight reduction on the nose, although it is nothing to get too worried about. I think it has exceptional mineralité covered up by its youth. The medium-bodied palate is taut, fresh and quite saline, with a fine bead of acidity and some vanilla-y oak toward the very saline finish, though that will be eaten with bottle age. There is outstanding precision on the aftertaste, and that seems to be accentuated with aeration. I gave this a tepid reaction from barrel, but here in bottle, it received my highest score out of over two hundred 2017s. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Jancis Robinson (19)

Naughty heavy bottle. Manages to dance on the head of a pin: an extra dimension of weight and density without being heavy, hot or flat. White peach, hazelnut, citrus and stones. Great length.

Decanter (97)

Bouchard’s holding here is superb: 0.90ha on the edge of the Puligny side at midslope between Ramonet and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. In 2019, Bouchard emphasised the richness by picking this parcel last. Ripe apples, white flowers and even a touch of honey make their appearance on the nose, while the texture on the palate is unctuous and deep without being heavy. There is still enough freshness to keep this lively through the intensely long finish.

Tim Atkin MW (98)

Hailing from the Puligny side on the upper slopes between DRC and Ramonet, this sublime wine has incredible freshness and a dazzling aromatic profile. Cinnamon and clove blend with pear core, chamomile, sweet orchard fruit and crushed rocks. Though thoroughly concentrated with good extract, the wine seems to float on the palate thanks to the gracious lift of the seamless, mouth-watering acidity. Vague chalkiness adds compelling texture to the long finish. 2025-40

Indulge in the elegantly structured Boyd-Cantenac 2007, a distinguished Margaux wine crafted in the prestigious Bordeaux region of France. This vintage, expertly fashioned by the reputable Boyd-Cantenac estate, delicately combines 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. Its precision vinification in thermos-regulated stainless steel and 18 months maturity in oak barrels exude a splendid maturity.

The aroma engulfs you in a whirl of ripe fruits, leading to a dense, full-bodied palate, beautifully balanced with velvety tannins and persistent flavours. A strong expression of the terroir, the Boyd-Cantenac 2007 flaunts a perfect blend of power and finesse. This wine bears the hallmark of the producer's continued adherence to traditional winemaking practices, garnering it well-deserved recognition in international wine circles.

A bottle of Boyd-Cantenac 2007 is a testimony of the vibrant and timeless allure of the Margaux appellation. Its charming complexity and depth make it an unmissable treasure for fine wine collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Vinous (96)

The 2018 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has so much fruit on the nose: blackberry, sous-bois and cedar, more rose scents than I observed out of barrel last year. I feel that this is more powerful than the 2019, an unapologetically extravagant Clos de Bèze yet with a lithe, sensual finish that actually reminds more of Armand Rousseau. Yet - it's that good.

The Bruno Clair Marsannay Rouge 2016 is a splendid embodiment of fine French winemaking. Expertly crafted in the heart of Burgundy, this charming Pinot Noir captures the essence of its Marsannay terroir with finesse. Its brilliance stems from Bruno Clair's philosophical winemaking approach, one that emphasizes minimal interference and meticulous attention to detail. An advocate of sustainable viticulture, Clair's respect for the soil affords a robust concentration of flavour.

This wine displays vibrant ruby hues, exuding ripe red fruits, including cherries and currants on the nose. On the palate, it impresses with its elegant tannins, the subtle spiciness of clove blending with its fruit-driven core. The wine's natural acidity and balance make it accessible within its youthful stage, whilst indicating a long life ahead.

The Bruno Clair Marsannay Rouge 2016 is a testament to the producer's profound understanding of the vine and a dedication to the authentic expression of its origin.

Relish the elegant and exotic experience of the Bruno Colin Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Blanc 2019. This exquisite white Burgundy, from the famed Côte de Beaune in France, is expertly crafted by Bruno Colin, a winemaker renowned for his meticulous approach in the vineyard and winery. Bruno vinifies individually 20 parcels to express the diverse terroir within his vineyards.

Nestled in limestone-rich soil, the beautiful Chardonnay grapes for this Grand Cru Blanc gain their distinct and remarkable minerality. Relying on traditional, minimalist methods, the wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels (30% new) to enhance its complexity. Happily drink now but will reward with cellar age.

Expect a powerful bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, fresh honey, almonds with hints of vanilla, culminating in a rich, well-rounded palate, showing an impressive balance of fruit, oak, and acidity. Indulge in a bottle of Bruno Colin Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Blanc 2019, a testament to world-class French winemaking.

Wine Advocate (96)

The newly released 2003 NPU Nec Plus Ultra is only the fifth edition since 1990. The ambitious prestige cuvée from Bruno Paillard is only produced in great vintages (so far 1990, 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2003), and only from grand cru villages grapes; the ratio is always 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The first fermentation of the must (only the tête de cuve is used, but that's how it is in all the other BP cuvées) takes place in small oak barrels, where the wine spends ten months. No less than ten years have to pass by until the wine is disgorged as Extra Brut (there is three grams of dosage) and kept in the cellar for another year. This 2003 was disgorged in March 2015. Total production is 4,200 bottles. The wine has an intense yellow-golden color. It is very intense, rich and complex on the beautifully matured nose, where a bouquet of yellow and dried fruit aromas, along with Turkish honey, pistachio, almonds and torrone is displayed. Pure, fresh and mineral on the palate, this 2003 has lots of energy and finesse, is full of tension and develops a very persistent length. A fascinating, atypical 2003 vintage Champagne from that extremely dry and hot year.

Vinous (95)

The 2008 Extra Brut N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra is a brilliant, taut Champagne. The combination of vintage and the extra brut style favored a Paillard that yields a young Champagne that is quite austere. It will be interesting to see if the 2008 fills out with time in bottle. Today it is piercing in its intensity. Disgorged: April, 2019.

Embodied with a harmony of rich characteristics, Calicem 2016 exhibits the marvellous elegance of a finely crafted Bordeaux red wine. The beauty of this blend starts in Bordeaux's celebrated vineyards of Medoc, where the most delicate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes flourish. Using traditional French winemaking practices with an exquisite touch of modernity, the wine is matured for 18 months in oak barrels, infusing it with an intricate infusion of spiced and woody notes.

The genius behind Calicem 2016 is Patrice Lévêque, a renowned oenologist who cultivates his wines with an unwavering focus on precision and quality. The result is an enchanting wine with a remarkable structure and a complex bouquet of black fruit, cedar and spice, underpinned by velvety tannins. A seamless fusion of depth and balance, Calicem 2016 captures the essence of Bordeaux's terroir, offering a distinguished drinking experience to refined palates. A witness to the timeless art of French viticulture, Calicem 2016 is pure pleasure poured into a glass.

Crafted with quintessential mastery, Calicem 2018 is an exquisite wine, birthed in the revered vineyards of Bordeaux, France. The esteemed producer, Calicem, marries traditional viticulture with innovative methods to produce this pristine expression. The base of Calicem 2018 is primarily Merlot, harmoniously blended with a measured touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, for an invigorating complexity. Subtle hints of oak emanate from its 18-month ageing process in French oak barrels, enhancing its rich, velvety texture.

Upon swirling in the glass, Calicem 2018 reveals a dark ruby hue, paving the way for a robust palate. Full-bodied notes of blackcurrant, truffles and sweet spices dance on the tongue, while its long finish leaves nuances of dark chocolate and raspberry echo. With its cellaring potential of up to 20 years, Calicem 2018 promises to develop deeper notes and complexity over time, cementing itself as a compelling choice for collectors and aficionados alike.