Valentin Leflaive, Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

Fantastic Grand Cru quality Complex blend of citrus, candied and bruised apple, Chardonnay juice, berries… Can’t find it in US, imported a case from Burgundy Leflaive hotel

Pours a vibrant pink rose color with a gaseous mousse that quickly dissipates leaving a trail of bubbles from bottom to top. Nose is strawberries and cream with a touch of toasted shortbread. Light nuances of watermelon rind, floral and citrus add complexity. Palate is bright and focused but the dosage seems a little rich for me as the acidity and sweetness seem to step on each others toes rather than waltz in unison. Nice character overall and all the …

Champagne Valentin Leflaive tasting (Jeroboam HQ) : Based on 2018 vintage, 6 gr RS, MLF The wine shows a much friendlier character, floral notes, opulent, rich red fruit profile, floral note, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon even, very fresh and welcoming. Palate showing nice carbonation, ripe red fruit, more strawberry-like notes, there is a strong nutty fragrance too, almond, med to full body, long finish. This could pair a wide array of dishes

Beautiful salmon color. Crisp and acidic. Hints of honey.

Lunch at Olivier Leflaive II (Olivier Leflaive Le Restaurant (Puligny-Montrachet)) : Notes similar to yesterday. Nice wild strawberry and blood orange/cranberry notes. Great acidity and very drinkable.

Lunch at Leflaive (Olivier Leflaive Le Restaurant (Puligny-Montrachet)) : 100% PN from Avize. Very clean rose; strawberries and cream on the nose with some blood orange; blood orange and wild strawberry on the palate; soft bubbles; fruit forward but very delicate champagne. Lovely start.

A private dinner (La Table d’Olivier Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet, France) : A collaboration between Olivier Leflaive and Erick de Sousa. Pale salmon colour; richly fruited nose with lovely complexity (citrus, cherry, red berries), and smoky, yeasty notes; refreshing palate, deliciously yeasty and crisp, bright and citrussy; dry finish with good length. Stylish and delicious.

Another great dinner organized by Mark T -BYO and impromptu Opera with Patrick, Paolo, Hoksoo, Alex, Courtney (Vic's Restaurant - New York City) : This one brought by Mark, first experience with this. Light rose color. Nice aperitif to start the night, crisp and vibrant

excellent vibrancy