Niko’s Fine French Wine Tasting
10% disc. on Tasting wine purchase
May 21st at 6pm-8pm
Tasting Fee $10 Non-Member
Free to Premium Member+1
Free to Regular Member ONLY
Wines we will taste …..
Charles le Bel 'Inspiration 1818' by Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve Champagne
WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Sparkling and crystalline with fine and plentiful bubbles. A blooming nose with harmonious notes of butter, white flesh fruits as well as Mirabelle plums and dried fruits. A well-balanced mouth structured due to the greatness of the Pinot Noir, with flavors of white flesh fruits. The Chardonnay brings to this wine a refreshing finish with notes of citrus fruits and pepper.
Notes from the producer:
Charles Le Bel “1818” Brut NV is a delicious, classic champagne with aromas of brioche, almonds and pears. An excellent quality/price ratio and an exceptional opportunity to get this champagne for parties and grandiose evenings. Chardonnay 37%, Pinot Meunier 30%, Pinot Noir 33% (Reserve wine 70%)
The champagne house Billecart-Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ handles the vinification of this champagne. The grapes come from vineyards with younger vines. The entire operation, including the degorgement and dosage take place in the Billecart-Salmon cellars. This is an absolute guarantee of originality and character.
Domaine de Triennes, Rosé Provence
A blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache and Merlot, our rosé benefits from night harvesting to preserve the freshness of the fruit. The chilled harvest is directly pressed, followed by fine lees maceration and ageing on fine lees. This meticulous process yields a lovely pale colour, an aromatic nose of red fruits and marshmallow, and a round, harmonious palate. An elegant rosé, perfect for aperitifs or a summer meal.
Vineyard Profile
Vineyards in Var, 18.6 miles/30 km from the Mediterranean.
Exposure: South, facing Massif de la Sainte Baume
Soil: Clay and limestone
Cool microclimate
Farmed using organic principles
Harvest Notes
Harvested at night to ensure cool arrival at the cellar
Few hours skin contact before pressing
Fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks until dry
Winemaker's Notes
A bouquet of strawberries and white flowers with hints of vanilla. Harmony and elegance on the palate with a fresh, mouthwatering finish. The essence of the Mediterranean in a glass.
Wine Summary
Cinsault with Grenache, Syrah and Merlot; alcohol: 13%; vineyards in Var facing Massif de la Sainte Baume; clay and limestone soil; grapes harvested at night to ensure cool temperature at cellar; pressed after few hours skin contact; fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks until dry.
La Legende de Saint-Martin Sancerre Cuvée Prestige
This classic Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc highlights the precision and minerality of Sancerre. Aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit, and white peach are layered with notes of fresh herbs, flint, and subtle floral tones. The palate is crisp and focused, showing citrus, green apple, and saline minerality supported by bright acidity and a clean, persistent finish. Elegant and refreshing, it pairs beautifully with seafood, goat cheese, salads, and lighter vegetable dishes. A polished, terroir-driven white with excellent balance and clarity.
Domaine Saint-Roch Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Always a dry wine, this has a powerful fragrance, harmonizing with the riches of the Loire Valley with a delicate hint honey and orange blossom aromas. Crisp and fresh, you will recognize the classic gunflint distinction of the region.
Chateau La Cardonne Medoc 2018 :: Bordeaux Red
The colour, of an engaging purple, has pretty ruby reflections. The bouquet offers us a palette of ripe fruit associated with liquorice, spicy and finely woody notes. The attack on the palate is full, almost sweet, with aromas of blackberry and raspberry that mingle with vanilla in a suave balance. The silky grain tannins support the tasting towards an elegant and soft finish.
Wine Enthusiast - 92
This wine offers rich tannins and dense black fruits in equal proportions. The structure, with the dry core, shows great promise and the wine is definitely worth aging. Drink from 2024.
Vinous
The 2018 La Cardonne was tasted twice, one bottle a little muted but showing promise on the finish. The second was given more aeration and that was repaid. It offers attractive blackberry, briar, cedar and light marine aromas on a well-defined nose that is very focused and intense. The fresh, vibrant palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-pitched acidity and an almost citrus-like finish. Very harmonious and silky-smooth in texture. This is an outstanding Cru Bourgeois Superieur. Bravo!
La Quintinye Royal Red Vermouth
La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge is a powerful and aromatic French vermouth. Made with Pineau des Charentes Rouge, it reveals notes of vanilla, licorice, plum, and cocoa. Ideal for rich and expressive cocktails.
