This Wednesday I was invited to dinner at Selby’s by Louise Bryden, head of research and development and part of the winemaking team at Champagne Ruinart. She is touring the West Coast for the release of the Ruinart Blanc Singulier Brut Nature, the first new cuvée to be released by Ruinart since the non-vintage blanc de blancs over 20 years ago. It was a fantastic evening, and we were even served by the Ruinart Challenge winner—Lindsey Young from Selby’s—who had taken the prize that very morning in San Francisco!

Mindblowing Champagne from Philippe Gonet

It is not every day that one has the chance to drink a Champagne from the most sought-after villages in Champagne, or from the best vintage of a generation, or from vines of nearly 100-years old. When all of that can be found in one wine, it ought to be a special occasion indeed to taste it. The 2008 Philippe Gonet "Cuvée Belemnita" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne made my Thursday a special occasion—it delivers on all its promise, and then some. It is in contention to be the best bottle of Champagne in stock at K&L—at any price…

A Vintage Côte des Blancs Stunner at Half the Price

Love vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne? Love an incredible value? Our Champagne Buyer, Gary Westby, has found both and there’s plenty to share. The 2013 Ayala Blanc de Blancs Brut is an incredible find no Champagne enthusiast will want to miss.

Something Extra: The Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs from Brochet

Last night, Cinnamon and I had the opportunity to compare two of the top cuvées from Louis Brochet, his Extra Noir and Extra Blanc. Both of these are made in small quantities from the oldest vines on the property, and given long aging on the lees, both over five years. It was fascinating to enjoy a pure Chardonnay and a pure Pinot Noir Champagne like these next to each other…

K&L Wine Merchants

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