Shay A

9.5

Starting to go through my 2019s. At almost 7yrs, if the others are similar to this bottle, this seemed at absolute peak drinking with plenty of time to enjoy.

UV-SL has, for me, been one I normally open on the younger side as I enjoy the natural opulent and pure fruit tbh at the site can give. Lovely yellow with a tinge of green still showing in the glass. Everything about this wine showed what made me fall in love with Aubert…big aromatics of white peach, roasted nuts, honeysuckle, nutmeg and citrus. Textural and initially powerful, the fruit on the mid-palate is balanced nicely by the acidity with a killer finish. Lovely signature Aubert lemon cream, lemon scone, tropical fruits, honey, little bit of limestone grit and some ginger. Feels like it’s hitting peak with a long window. No rush, but if you have multiple, enjoy one soon. — a month ago

Michelle M

9.2

Lovely bouquet of lemon zest and orange blossom with hints of cedar, creek pebbles, and white pepper. On the palate lemon candy, white peach, and grapefruit pith with fresh ginger and white pepper spice lingering on a medium length finish. Zippy, fun, approachable white wine with a bit of zing. Great value from southern Italy. Went perfect with my pineapple jackfruit Buddha bowl with teriyaki sauce. — 4 years ago

Aravind A

9.3

Pop and pour. Notes from 4 hrs open. On the nose: freshly cut honeysuckle, then loads of flowers, mint, soft honey and wet stone. On the palate: excellent acidity, wet stone, ginger, medicinal herbs, fantastic density. Better than my last btl...definitely one of my condrieu standards. Yum! — 5 years ago

with Florent

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Well...this was one hell of a week. There is only one way to wind it down. Reach for an excellent bottle of vintage Champagne.

My first thoughts are how delicate this is on the palate. Further, how unbelievable it will be with another 8-10 years in bottle.

The nose shows; slightly sour lemon, the good parts of lemon Pledge, lemon meringue, white stone fruits, pineapple fresh with lots of juice, grapefruit, lime pulp, honeysuckle, soft, haunting caramel, brioche, limestone & slightly, dirty, grey volcanics, saline, sea fossils, sea spray, bread dough, vanilla, white spices-light ginger with spring flowers, mixed floral greens & lilies.

The body is light on its feet and dances on the palate. Delicacy abounds. Its soft, gorgeous mousse right there with the best money can buy. Slightly sour lemon, lemon meringue, green & with more bruised golden apple, white stone fruits, pineapple fresh with lots of juice, grapefruit, lime pulp, touch of apple cider, honeysuckle, soft, haunting caramel, ginger ale into cream soda, brioche, nougat, toffee notes, lighter nuts without skin, limestone & slightly, dirty, grey volcanics, saline, sea fossils, sea spray, bread dough, vanillin, marzipan, white spices-light ginger with spring flowers, mixed floral greens & lilies. The acidity is mellow yet lively, gorgeous and as good as it gets. The finish is all luxury. So well knitted & balanced, elegant, rich but not overpowering and gently persisting several minutes.

Photos of; The House of Taittinger, their caves so chalky white and built on the famous Crayères Cellars of Reims: 2.5 miles of tunnels (they own 1/4 to 1/3 of it) cut out of chalk by the Romans, the portrait of Thibaud IV who was a king, lord, manager, singer, conqueror, explorer & 11th century Crusader all rolled into one from which, this Cuvée was the catalyst creation and part of the 600 plus hectares they own in Champange.

Some producer notes; Taittinger's history can be traced back to 1734, when it was originally known as Forest-Fourneaux, founded by Jacques Fourneaux who worked closely with local Benedictine monks to learn how to produce wine. They were just the 3rd Champange house.

The estate was bought by the Taittingers – a family of wine merchants – in 1932, and thanks to the great depression and subsequent low land prices, the family also picked up huge swathes of vineyard. From 1945-1960, Francois Taittinger established the cellars in the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise, and after his death in 1960 his brother Claude took over, pushing the estate into a Champagne house of world renown. Such was the status of the label that the Taittinger family soon expanded its business into other luxury goods. However, this eventually led to financial difficulties, and in 2005 the Taittinger brand – including the Champagne house – was sold to the American owned Starwood Hotel Group. The sale was badly received by the Champagne industry, with many fearing the new owners – unfamiliar with the culture of Champagne – would put profit ahead of quality.

Just one year later, Claude’s nephew, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who had always been opposed to the sale, negotiated a €660m deal with the Starwood Group, and the Taittinger family resumed ownership of the company.

In 2017, Taittinger planted its first vines in England, near a village in Kent, for its venture into English sparkling wine. The first bottle will be ready in 2023.

1/8/21 — 5 years ago

Stephen Pierron

10

Funky barnyard and earth on the nose with notes of botrytis (Noble Rot) of Chenin Blanc. Incredibly smooth with notes of pear, honeysuckle,pineapple, ginger (gingerbread cookies), lemon peel, and chamomile tea.... amazing how this wine continues to change as it opens up.... very different and interesting. 😀🇨🇵🍷Santè — 6 years ago

with Jen, Lewis and 2 others

Ming L

9.0

Consistently delightful and delicious every vintage. My go-to Mascato. Pairs well with boiled chicken with minced ginger and scallion sauce. — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Not as bad as I remember it. It’s been a while though.

Slightly, bruised pear & red & green apple, lime zest, lemon pulp, some ginger white spice w/ a touch of heat, limestone mixed in volcanic minerals, crisp chalkiness, sea spray, yeasty bread dough, yellow & white spring flowers, lively acidity and a balanced & nicely polished elegant finish that last 45 seconds and lands on volcanics.

Emirates SFO. — 9 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.2

Good luck pulling your attention away from the 2017 Catarratto Praruar. All it takes is one tilt of the golden-amber-colored nectar in your glass, and its exotic bouquet of sugar-dusted ginger, dried nectarines, crushed green apple, geranium and mint creates a unique yet captivating display. This is powerful and deeply textural, with a pretty inner sweetness balanced by brisk acids and tart orchard fruits, complemented by savory brown spice and a mind-bending addition of cocoa toward the close. For all of its density, the Praruar turns squeaky-clean through the finale, yet still full of lively energy, resonating on floral-tinged peaches and pears. Frankly, this is probably the most interesting interpretation of Catarratto that I’ve ever experienced; but be aware that it is unabashedly an orange-style wine, which won’t appeal to all palates. (Eric Guido, Vinous, June 2021)
— 5 years ago

Matt

9.2

Loved this over several nights, exuberant and exotic with zip and phenolics to hold everything up. Apricot, pineapple, racing citrus notes, mushrooms, candied ginger, saffron, white tea, herbs. — 5 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

8.9

Here it is Saturday night and tonight's wine is the 2017 Domaine des Baumard Savennières. A very nice Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley.

On the nose the is pear, honeydew melon, yellow apple, quince, ginger and minerals.

On the palate shows yellow apple, honeyde melon, lime, pear, peach, hazelnuts and minerality.

This wine is medium bodied with medium + acidity that leads me to a long citrus minerality driven finish. A wonderful wine that will last another good 5-10 years. Continued good health to everyone and please be safe. Nostrovia! 🥂🥂🥂🥂 — 6 years ago

Darby Mae

9.4

Dazzling 70s lampshade orange hue, with a pronounced nose of peach and ginger, jasmine and spice. Each sip tickles the palate echoing its perfumed nose, and yet maintains an impressive level of couth complexity, revealing evermore as it sashays towards the back of my throat. This is a sexxxy wine. A sophisticated wine. Acidity, minerality and tannin come together in a waxy state of bliss. Have with lemon and herb roasted chicken, carrot purée and Django Rheinhardt. — 6 years ago

JeremyC

9.2

2015 in 3/20. Glorious!!!! Soooooo wish I bought more of this. Skin contact Zibibbo from AUSTRALIA!!! 13%. 70 yr old Bush vines. 150 days in clay. Stone fruit, cooked citrus marmalade, ginger-esque something. So aromatic, delicious and fun!! Need more stuff like this around the Orl area. This was from the Winebarn tstg in WP and from Mary Elizabeth table. — 6 years ago

Matt

9.5

This wine is just as delicious as the first time I tried it, aging glacially too 😋 Powerful, complex, balanced, texturally expansive and detailed, savory and singular. Love the clarity that binds it all together. Golden pear, pineapple, citron, salted lemon, citrus blossom, candied ginger, crushed leaves, white tea, spring honey, kiss of something vanilla, of a mouthful of wet stones. — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Suduiraut, 2023, Sauternes BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Premier Cru Classé Sauternes delivering pure botrytis luxury blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Sauvignon Gris with remarkable tension and precision. Lush honeyed richness balanced by vibrant acidity and a beautifully layered texture that feels both decadent and weightless. Sensual, polished, and deeply expressive, this is a dessert wine that seduces rather than overwhelms.

Aromas & Flavors
Orange blossom, acacia honey, apricot confit, ripe peach, saffron, candied citrus peel, subtle vanilla bean, almond paste, and a whisper of ginger spice. Floral lift intertwines with botrytis-driven sweetness and fresh citrus brightness.

Mouthfeel
Silky, viscous, and coating without heaviness. Glycerol richness glides across the palate while acidity keeps the wine lifted, focused, and endlessly drinkable. Long, luxurious, and caressing finish.

Food Pairings
Foie gras torchon, blue cheese (Roquefort or Stilton), apricot tart, almond pastries, honey-drizzled chèvre, citrus-based desserts, or simply enjoyed solo as a contemplative finale.

Verdict
Sublime, sexy, and impeccably balanced. A masterclass in tension between sweetness and freshness, delivering pleasure, elegance, and emotional impact in equal measure. A benchmark nightcap wine.

Did You Know?
Château Suduiraut sits adjacent to Château d’Yquem and shares similar gravelly terroir and noble rot influence, often delivering First Growth-level finesse at a more approachable price point.

🍯 Personal Pick
This wine feels like a French kiss, seductive tension, velvet weight, and honeyed decadence wrapped in electric freshness. The viscosity caresses the palate while the acidity keeps everything irresistibly alive. — 5 months ago

Meg Herring

9.2

Peach ginger pineapple lime orange. Very pretty now but will certainly get even better. — 5 years ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.1

Grilled lemons, ginger, freshly cut green herbs, pinch of that peppery candyshop sponti-nase. Beautiful.
Powdery mouthfeel, quite concentrated.
Great to drink now.
— 5 years ago

Sean Smith

9.4

Great balance of richness and minerality here. Almonds, lemon and ginger. Happy new year! — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Love half bottles of good Blanc Champagne at Costco for $18. Sure makes it feel like Christmas come early.

I’m dreaming of a wine Christmas. What’s on your list?

Really nice cuvée from Laurent-Perrier and even better price point.

Bruised apple & Bosc pear, pineapple juice, nougat with nuts, ginger ale, vanillin, white spice, sea spray, soft volcanics, easy, powdery chalkiness, bread dough to baguette, withering lilies and spring flowers. Lively acidity and well balanced, rich, elegant finish that persists minutes landing on minerals & spice.

Happy Holiday Season! 🎄🎅❄️⛄️🎁 🌟 — 6 years ago

Ming L

9.5

375ml. A magnificent 30-year young Sauternes. Orange peel, molasses, caramel, ginger spice, and brown sugar. The intense flavors waltzed across the palate with grace and precision. Fresh, vibrant, and not as rich as expected. The finish lasts forever.
Paired with homemade chocolate chip cookies using Levain Bakery recipe and vanilla bean ice cream. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Champagne is for celebrating, not that I need a celebratory reason to open a bottle as I am hooked on champagne. 💉

However, after installing 27 solar panels and waiting an additional seven weeks for my Tesla, I/we have almost erased our carbon footprint. Finally picked it up today. I believe we all need to do our part to save the glorious vines that bring so much happiness to our lives. 🍷🥂👍

As for the Baron Fuentes, the is a very good Champange and is perhaps the best QPR out of Champagne at $24.99.

Bright lemon, lime, grapefruit w/ sugar, bruised red apple & pear, touch of ginger & cider, bread dough, baguette crust, sea spray, white spice with some palate heat, sea fossils, grey volcanic minerals, spring flowers, lilacs and yellow lilies. The acidity is bright, crisp and lively. The finish is smartly polished, well balanced and persistent for minutes.

Whoo hoo! So close to carbon free! 🍾🥂 — 7 years ago