Editor's Choice: December 2008
Looking for a personal recommendation? Christian Eedes discusses the wines that particularly stood out for him during this month's blind tastings.
VALUE CHAMPAGNE
★ ★ ★ ★ FOUR STARS
Tribaut-Schloesser Brut Millésime 2002
RETAIL PRICE: R220
Complex nose with floral, citrus and yeasty notes. The palate shows some development with lots of brioche character off set by fresh acidity. Imported by Jean-Phillipe Colmant, who makes his own bubbly in
Franschhoek.
CE's score: 17/20.
INVESTMENT CHAMPAGNE
★ ★ ★ ★ FOUR STARS
Lallier Grand Cru Grande Réserve NV
RETAIL PRICE: R365
A hint of brioche on the nose. Explosive mousse on entry to the mouth. Light and fresh in style, it has great fruit expression and crisp acidity. 70% Pinot Noir and 30%Chardonnay.
CE's score: 18/20.
VALUE CHAMPAGNE
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS
Gosset Brut Excellence NV
RETAIL PRICE: R315
Floral and citrus notes on nose. Clean and pure on the palate with some chalky character. Finishes very dry. Gosset CEO Beatrice Cointreau is sister of Anne, owner of Stellenbosch property Morgenhof.
CE's score: 17/20.
INVESTMENT CHAMPAGNE
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS
Guy Charbaut Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
RETAIL PRICE: R448.90
A controversial wine in that it shows lots of bottle-age character. Nose shows toasty, yeasty flavours as well as citrus. Palate is rich and layered with green apple and some savoury aldehydic notes. Long, dry finish.
CE's score: 17/20.
