It will be interesting to see how these wines are drinking in 10 years. I've found a good deal of wines that were very tight and un-giving out of the gate have opened up considerably in recent months.
Here are ones I've tasted with general impressions, all are the 2002 vintage of course:
- Gimonnet Paradoxe - elegant and precise for a wine with pinot in it, which I generally find less interesting than chardonnay-based bubbles
- Gimonnet Gastronome - I prefer the NV Cuis BdB to this
- Gimonnet Fleurons - the real deal, expressive and broad with a sense of class
- Dhondt Mes Vieilles Vignes - after reading some notes about early maturity on these, I sold my remaining bottles. Earlier versions were crisp and precise, keep an eye on these
- Jean Milan BdB Terres de Noel - lightning in a bottle, electric, crackling acidity, let this one sleep
- Marc Hebrart Special Club - meh, kind of simple given the price point. I do like the producer though
- Louis Roederer BdB - another one that definitely needs time, but should be incredible. Some say it's on par with Cristal
- Vilmart Grand Cellier D'Or - flat out gorgeous and complex, florals, spice, orchard fruits, yum
- Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale Les Chetillons - drank this alongside 02 Dom and this blew it away. Loaded with citrus and complex leesy character, sample one and throw the rest in a dark corner of the cellar
- Roederer Cristal - look, the price is insane. But if someone else is buying, I'm drinking it. Ethereal presence on the palate, light yet palate staining. Not the most complex drink but damn tasty
- Moet Dom Perignon - I bought several in the hopes that it appreciates and/or someday rounds into form. Right now, it's not worth opening despite glowing notes you read. Really coiled and sulphurous, even with a lengthy decant
- Bernard Hatte Special Club - tropical fruit and orange marmalade, really exotic and sappy
- Chartogne-Taillet Brut - another brioche and butter bomb (in a great way) that possess great cut despite the richness, a beauty
- H. Billiot Millesime - starting to open, a touch sweet with very creamy fruit
