Rene Geoffroy, Houtrants Complantes Brut Nature Vintage:N.V. hard candy and dark red

hard candy and dark red fruit are layered in this utterly impeccable Barolo

The 2019 Shiraz Viognier is from a low-yielding (down around 15% to 20%)

dry vintage that yielded very high sugars but also great acidity

elegance and a real sense of energy

This is the first wine to display any material amount of reduction and here it’s enough to overshadow the fruit

Rene Geoffroy, Houtrants Complantes Brut Nature Vintage:N.V. hard candy and dark redThe NV Brut Nature Les Houtrants Complants is a blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier, Chardonnay, Petit Meslier and Arbanne, co planted in 2005, from vintages 2015 to 2008. This is an especially fine edition that balances freshness with the natural complexity of the perpetual reserve. Citrus, orchard fruit, spice and floral overtones all build effortlessly. What a gorgeous and distinctive Champagne this is. Zero dosage. Disgorged, November 2023.