Wow, now there are great Champagnes, Chardonnays and a Romirasco.
It doesn't always have to be the 2008 vintage when it comes to Champagne. Even though the 2008 vintage overshadows everything, 2006 is also a magnificent vintage. The Charles Heidsieck 2006 Blanc des Millenaires always seemed too young to us, but now appears to have reached sufficient maturity. The Champagne is very enjoyable to drink now, but also has enormous potential. It has blossoms, hazelnut, a hint of brioche, medium body, nutty flavors, is very mineral, elegant, and despite a dosage of 7 grams, it comes across as very dry. 19/20 points.
The Pierre Moncuit 2006 Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Nicole Moncuit is not quite as elegant as the Heidsieck, but it has more power and density. The Champagne has many nutty notes, mainly walnut, medium body, a long finish, power, and is very mineral. 18.8/20 points with potential for more.
The Friedrich Becker 2020 Chardonnay Mineral is very mineral, but has distinct oak notes, certainly more so than in previous vintages. The wine offers blossoms, woody, mandarin, and lemon aromas, a medium to full body, a long finish, pronounced acidity, and is fresh, juicy, and very mineral. 18.3/20 with potential.
The Rudolf Fürst 2023 Chardonnay R is characterized by dark-burnt barriques with notes of flint, ichthyol, and a hint of forest fire. The wine is full-bodied, has a long finish, and is mineral and dense. Currently, the wine seems somewhat austere and will need considerable time to reach its peak. 18.5/20 points.
The Adank 2023 Chardonnay Am Berg is currently far too young. The wine is restrained on the nose with some floral notes and has a full body, a long finish, and is dense and mineral. The wine is elegant and has a Burgundian structure. 18.5/20 points.
The Aldo Conterno 2009 Barolo Romirasco, besides exhibiting notes of moss, undergrowth, and cherry, primarily displays the typical blueberry aromas of Romirasco. The wine is full-bodied, with polished tannins, a long finish, balance, and structure. 19.3/20 points.
