Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 2012 J. Lassalle Special Club is made from 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Chardonnay. The vines average 50 yrs old. Hails from Chigny-Les-Roses. Winemakers Chantal Decelle-Lassalle and Angéline Templier farm using the practice of Lutte Raisonnée, which means they fall just short of organic. Sustainable but use minimal chemicals. Rain during and at the end of the season when Mother Nature doesn’t dry the grape clusters, chemicals are often necessary to prevent mold. This isn’t Sauternes!

Texturally, it is quite nice. Beautiful fine mousse and micro oxygenation. Lively but not aggressive acidity.

Green & golden apples, pear, pineapple, lime/lemon with zest, orange citrus blend, green melon & kiwi. White spice, bread dough, nougat, limestone bits, thick chalky powder, graham cracker crust, melted caramel, vanillin, saline, sea fossils, understated herbaceous notes, fruit blossoms, spring flowers with an elegant, smartly polished, well balanced, nicely structured-crafted finish that lasts 90 seconds & lands on volcanics & spice on the long set.

You could make case for 94 here. Perhaps fully with a few more yrs of bottle age.

Pairs well with the Jasper Hill Farms Limited Edition of their Champagne washed Harbison soft white. — 5 days ago

David D

9.2

A favorite mid-range Barolo, great value for the price. Good tar, dried roses, rounded tannins and acids, damp earth, some graphite, black pepper. From Flatiron Wines. 08/30/2025 — 4 months ago

Danny O'Brien

9.2

Raspberry, roses & tar on the nose, grippy tannins and a slight meatiness on the palate. Fruit is present but ever so slightly lacking for me, I wish it translated from the nose to the palate just a touch more. Overall very nice and enjoyable! — 3 days ago

Roman Boudou

9.7

V12, deg 2019 — 2 months ago

Jeff Christner

9.4

Just about perfect w/oysters in San Diego! — 4 months ago

Mo

9.1

More time in the bottle would likely elevate my rating, per other reviews below…

WS: 94. Stitched with pure cherry and raspberry fruit, this red is supple and fragrant, showing lovely harmony. Mineral, tar and eucalyptus accents add detail. There's plenty of structure, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins focusing the finish. Elegant, with the potential to develop over the next two decades. Best from 2027 through 2045. 5,800 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.

JS: 93. There is a rustic, iron-like, rugged quality to this full-bodied and firmly tannic wine that will mellow somewhat with time. But enjoy it for the balsam, tar and red cherry aromas that lead to a meaty, mineral palate. Best from 2027. — 5 months ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

One of the most singular Champagne’s in the biz. Great to have with some age. — 7 days ago

Alan Weinberg

9.2

Showing great. Really an under the wire super bubbly. — 2 months ago

Jeff Simpson

9.9

Tar and roses. Soft yet anvil hard. Red brick dust. Anis. Power & subtlety. — 2 months ago

Diane Heyboer

8.9

Had the 2024 in August of 2025. What a really neat little wine. Light pink color. Some strawberry, peach and orange blossom on the nose. Delicate little wine. Some strawberry, honey and a light floral character on the tongue. Short finish but very tasty. Would drink this one again. — 4 months ago

with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others