Celebrating Milestones at Belgium Wine Watchers
Today marks a special occasion at Belgium Wine Watchers. We're celebrating Danny, our senior purchaser, who has been with us for 18 years. This milestone is one that deserves a proper celebration, and what better way to toast to Danny's contributions than with a glass of Philipponnat 'Clos des Goisses' 2011?
Tasting Notes: Philipponnat 'Clos des Goisses' 2011
Details:
100% Pinot Noir
Disgorged: March 2020
Dosage: 4.5 g/L
This exquisite Champagne boasts an elegant and pure nose that freely offers up its softly yeasty aromas of apple, quinine, and ripe citrus elements, particularly Meyer lemon. The richness of this relatively full-bodied Champagne is evident in its beautifully textured flavors, supported by a decidedly pliant mousse. The finish is complex and surprisingly long, revealing the wine's generous proportions.
This vintage of Clos des Goisses is already drinking exceptionally well, although it promises to age beautifully. While I would be inclined to enjoy it now, those who prefer the very toasty, yeasty character that aged Champagne often develops will find this a perfect candidate for extended cellaring.
In short, the Champagne is fantastic. But even more fantastic is having Danny as part of our team for 18 years. At Belgium Wine Watchers, we pride ourselves on being more than just a company—here, everyone is (big cliché but true) family.
Here's to many more tastings, celebrations, and years together at Belgium Wine Watchers. Cheers!
Tasted by Glenn Cambré for Belgium Wine Watchers
Henri Jayer is a name that resonates deeply within the fine wine industry. Revered as the godfather of Burgundy wines, Jayer's legacy continues to influence winemaking long after his passing in 2006 at the age of 84. Renowned for his innovative techniques and pioneering spirit, Jayer's methods were anything but conventional. Over decades, he honed his craft to produce some of the most luxurious Burgundy wines the world has ever known.
His impact on the wine industry is undeniable, and in 2013, his influence was immortalized when a bottle of his wine set the world record for the most expensive wine ever sold. Henri Jayer's commitment to quality and excellence has left an indelible mark on Burgundy and the global wine community.
Dive into the story of Henri Jayer, exploring his groundbreaking techniques and the legacy that solidified his status as a true icon in the world of fine wine.
Set for release late this year, the 2006 Riesling G-Max represents Keller’s top selection from a carefully chosen parcel, the identity of which remains a closely guarded secret. This exceptional wine offers a stunning blend of buddleia, rowan, sea spray, and citrus oil aromas that captivate the senses. On the palate, it showcases an extraordinary mix of intensity and elegance, clarity, lift, and refinement that surpasses Keller’s other offerings.
The 2006 Riesling G-Max delivers a crystalline concentration of berries, citrus, pear, and purple plum, encrusted with salt and chalk. This unique combination is barely tinged with the piquancy of fruit pits and surrounded by a halo of floral perfume. The result is an impressively concentrated yet positively ethereal finish that lingers on the palate.
Explore the nuances of the 2006 Riesling G-Max, a wine that embodies the pinnacle of Keller's winemaking expertise. This release promises to be a remarkable addition to any wine connoisseur's collection.
possesses incredible detail in its flavors, showcasing dark wild cherries, chocolate, herbs, and toasted oak. The tannins build mightily on the finish, even if this isn’t one of Dal Forno’s most massive wines. There is a lot of purity and depth here, making it a standout in any collection.
Explore the nuances of Dal Forno’s 2002 Amarone, a wine that embodies the winery's dedication to excellence. From its intense fruit profile to its sophisticated finish, this Amarone is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of Dal Forno.
Located on the Pomerol plateau, the vineyards of Chateau La Croix St. Georges are planted next to some very famous neighbors. Chateau La Croix St. Georges is only one row of vines away from the legendary vineyards of Le Pin and is very close to Vieux Château Certan as well. This prime location contributes to the exceptional quality of their wines.
Order your bottle of 2001 Chateau La Croix St. Georges below and enjoy this fantastic wine that embodies the elegance and complexity of Pomerol. With its rich history and proximity to some of the most renowned vineyards in the region, Chateau La Croix St. Georges offers a truly remarkable wine experience.
A legend because…
Sassicaia was already well known by the 1980s, but there was a sensation when Robert Parker awarded the 1985 vintage 100 points, saying that he often mistook it for 1986 Mouton-Rothschild. The excellence of the wine has been confirmed at tastings ever since. This was not the first time Sassicaia had wowed critics. In 1978, Decanter held a worldwide Cabernet tasting in which the 1975 Sassicaia triumphed. But its reputation has been eclipsed by that of the 1985, which now fetches prices far higher than any other Sassicaia vintage.
Sassicaia 1985 continues to be a benchmark for quality and a favorite among collectors and connoisseurs. The unparalleled excellence of this vintage has cemented Sassicaia’s place in the pantheon of legendary wines. Discover why the 1985 Sassicaia remains a symbol of prestige and exceptional winemaking.
The Sassicaia estate at Bolgheri came from Mario Incisa della Rocchetta's wife, whose family had owned land there since 1800. The name Sassicaia means "place of many stones," and the gravelly soil has been compared to those found in the Médoc. Mario planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, engaging the expertise of Piero Antinori's winemaker, Giacomo Tachis.
Sassicaia's first vintage was released to universal acclaim in 1968. Today, Sassicaia is widely accepted as one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon wines and made history recently by being the first single wine to be granted its own DOC. The wines of Sassicaia combine intense notes of cassis and cedary elegance with extraordinary power and length.
Experience the legacy of Sassicaia, where tradition meets innovation, producing wines that captivate wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
What a spectacular wine is the 1954 Laville Haut-Brion. Even Michael Broadbent dubbed it into heaven. This wine displays a deep, golden yellow color with great clarity. The nose is expressive, featuring notes of oven-baked pastry, orange peel, and dried stone fruit. The cork was in unbelievably pristine condition, hinting at the care with which this bottle has been preserved.
Tasting this lively white liquid is a revelation. It offers a bone-dry finish combined with a lingering, mouth-watering aftertaste. This is yet another proof that these bottles are made for the long haul, embodying the essence of longevity in fine wine. Truly, this wine is like "a young boy wearing old clothes."
Introduction:
At Belgium Wine Watchers, we recently stumbled upon a ghost bottle of old Port, shrouded in mystery with no reference to its producer. Intrigued by the challenge, we decided to take a leap of faith and uncork this hidden gem. With eager anticipation, we indulged in a sip of this remarkably aged 1927 Porto, and what a delight it turned out to be!
Body:
This ancient Port, despite its age, still retains its charm and allure. With every sip, it reveals layers of flavor that tantalize the palate. The smoothness of ripe cherries dances alongside the subtle notes of wild herbs, creating a symphony of taste that captivates the senses. But the true surprise comes with a burst of baked biscuit character, adding depth and complexity to the experience.
While the liquid may show signs of its age with a slight flakiness, it remains a testament to the enduring quality of well-aged Port. Despite the passage of time, this ghost bottle still boasts a stunning depth and richness of fruit, showcasing just how worthy aged Port can be. It's a true survivor, standing the test of time and leaving a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of tasting it.
Conclusion:
In a world where treasures often lie hidden, this ghost bottle of Porto from 1927 serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of fine wine. Its discovery is a testament to the thrill of exploration and the joy of uncovering hidden gems. As we raise our glasses to toast this remarkable find, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and indulgence, where every sip tells a story and every bottle holds the promise of adventure.