Lallier Grande Reserve Champagne: Review

Happy New Year! 

Grand Cru

Brut

65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay

Aged 5 years in the bottle

12.5% abv

Champagne-lallier.fr

Ahdvintners.com

Ay France

$39.99 from Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan

Appearance: straw

Aroma: very light overall with yeast, crisp apple, fresh mist of bubbles, my wife is going with apricot

Flavors: pear, apple and a pinch of white peach on the deliver; instead of biscuit I am going to call it a mineral earthy yeast note; crisp citrus on the mid and finish that reminds me of lemon peel

Mouthfeel: super fine effervesce that tickles the tongue, dry on the back of the palate, long lingering dry aftertaste of citrus

To the Point: if you are looking for a quality bubbly this will work but, you’ll have to do some searching to find it – I’ll bet.  Look for your quality wine shops or party stores. 

Don't overlook the white fruits on the delivery.  Savor each sip. It is easy to just focus on the citrus.   

Korbel California Champagne Brut: Review

12 % abv
F. Korbel & Bros. Inc.
Guerneville, California, USA
Sonoma County
$14.00

I have always liked the Korbel’s Brut Champagne for the under $20.00 selection. I like its dry yet crisp texture and there is a good supply of bubbles. Let’s take a look.

A nice bright straw color with some fine bubbles. The overall bouquet is light with a dash of spice. The texture is crisp and the mouthfeel is dry – wow, I could remember! Have not lost it yet! The flavor is like spiced pears and I get a slight peppery feel. There is a fresh citrus twang on the palate. I think I’ll call it pink peppercorn to cover the sweetness in the taste.

While, the effervescence is firm on the start, it does fade when I get to the bottom of the glass. Even though the bubbles take a dive the taste is still interesting enough to finish the last sip or two.

If I was faced with the Barefoot or the Korbel Choice - I would go with the Korbel. The Barefoot was one dimensional: tart apple.  The Korbel had an overall better taste: a zip of citrus, spiced pear, and pink peppercorn.  It also had a better 'last' sip when the bubbles all ran dry.

Read: Korbel Sweet Cuvee Review