Wine Advocate (96)

Aromas of limes, yellow citrus, crushed stones, herbs, chamomile and honey lead the 2012 Sancerre Edmond to a refreshingly mineral, profund and pure palate of great expression and a stimulating length with citrus flavors. This was my first note of the 2012 Sancerre Edmond, which is dedicated to Alphonse Mellot’s father Alphonse Edmond. The selection from the oldest (about 100 years old) Sauvignon Blanc grapes of the estate (on calcareous marl soils) is the purest and most precise expression of the kimmeridgian terroir because – and this is my finding of the second day – there is nothing more on the nose than ripe fruit aromas (nectarines again) based on and powdered with rock flour. This exceptional Sancerre was fermented and aged for 11 months in wooden vats and new demi-muid barrels, which initially seemed to add a further layer to this already very complex wine. However, the oak was completely absorbed by the minerality, which shines through even clearer the second day when Edmond became significantly more pure, transparent and naked. Its length, complexity and tension, though, remains unrivaled. This is a really powerful and expressive Sancerre but does neither lack purity nor finesse, thrill nor aging potential. I would definitely buy it to give it 8-10 years although it is already accessible.

Vinous - Neal Martin (87)

The 1978 Labégorce-Zédé comes from a Margaux estate that was subsumed into Labégorce back in 2009. To be frank, I was not expecting a great deal, yet it has a charming nose. Yes, it is filled to the brim with brettanomyces but has lovely meat juice aromas. The palate is very savoury at first and then develops potent espresso-like notes. Fades a little in the glass, but no complaints. Drink soon if you have a bottle. Tasted blind at Medlar restaurant dinner.

Vinous (100)

Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow!

The Pierre Girardin Meursault Eclat de Calcaire 2018 embodies the timeless elegance of Burgundy with an exhilarating twist. This exquisite white wine hails from the renowned Meursault appellation in France, crafted by the meticulous Pierre Girardin, eleventh-generation winemaker from the illustrious Girardin family. This radiant Chardonnay combines hand-harvested grapes with traditional vinification methods, including malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels.

True to its name, ‘Eclat de Calcaire’ — Burst of Chalk — the wine bears the signature mineral fingerprint of its terroir. Its bouquet exudes attractive white flower notes and crisp apple aromas, while the palate boasts a remarkable balance of rich fruit and flinty minerality, ending in an impressively long finish. The Pierre Girardin Meursault Eclat de Calcaire 2018 epitomises the seamless integration of fruit purity, poised acidity, and finesse, making it a perfect complement to fine dining.

The Pierre Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Blanc 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2018 astounds with its refined elegance and complex bouquet. Originating from the prestigious terroir of Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, it exhibits the exceptional savoir-faire of young winemaker, Pierre Girardin. Pierre, from the 13th generation of the illustrious Girardin family, crafts this exquisite wine in the stylistic lineage of his ancestors.

This 2018 Blanc 1er Cru hails from the 'Les Pucelles' parcel, vinified with hands-off winemaking techniques retaining the purest expression of Chardonnay. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, it marries restraint with finesse. This wine presents a stunning aromatic nose of orchard fruits, white flowers, lemon curd and crème pâtissière. Palate-wise, it confirms its pedigree with stoney minerality, elegant acidity, and an expansive, lingering finish. The Pierre Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Blanc 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2018 embodies a harmonious alliance of tradition and modern elegance. It is a wine divine in its own right, exemplifying the epitome of fine Burgundian viniculture.