Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

2002 Pommery Cuvee Louise: good wine? $90 a good price?

Yes and yes. I bought a six pack at $96 per bottle a couple of months ago. I haven't tasted it, but how can Louise from a great year like 2002 not be a delicious slut?

You boys! We haven't tasted the bubbly, but we're all in for buying more?

stefan, you're really gonna have to pop one and report back with "true facts."

It is pre-arrival, Tom. I won't get the wine until December.

Pre-arrival for a 12 year-old wine?

Haven't the 2002 Champagnes been out for a while?

Alex R.

Not all of them. Salon was released not too long ago. Krug has not yet released a 2002 but is rumored to do so in the near future (just released 2003).

I have not had that particular cuvee but it has a good rep and 2002 is an excellent vintage. I will say that you don't have to drink vintage champagne to drink excellent bubbly.

Have you had the Cuvee Louise in other years? It is in a style I'm not that crazy about so I don't buy it. If you like the style, chances are you will love the 2002

Jacques et al...

What is the Cuvee Louise style? I like the bready/yeasty thing that Krug and Salon seem to have in spades. I'm not as much a fan of the fruity style.

David,
I have had 3 different vintages of Pommery Cuvee Louise (can't remember which) always at tastings, and I always found a strong smell of apples on the nose. So strong that at first I thought it was oxidized. I do remember Pappadoc telling me that is the style of the house. I really don't prefer that style, but others always enjoyed it; I think Ben Nelson and Dale Williams both seemed to think it was great, I won't be shoving them out of the way to buy any.

Thanks, Jacques. I get some sherry-like oxidized notes in older bottles of Salon, and I like it, but it doesn't come across as apples to me. This might be one I need to try, just to try it myself, even though as Jay says you can drink very good Champagne for less.

Sure, try one bottle and tell me how you like it, David. Louise will certainly not replace Winston or even PR BdB in our house, but it is nice to have some high end Champagne that is different from what we drink more often.

"The firm's prestige champagne is always made in a softer, more refined style than vintage wine. The 2002 has an exceptionally soft and luxurious mousse. The aroma is typical of Louise Pommery with notes of mature Brie de Meaux-elements combined with vanilla, freshly baked bread and orange...right young colour, incredibly beautiful mousse, creamy texture and elegant sophisticated fruit. An incredibly soft and easy to drink champagne. Handsome and stylish. Medium-bodied and very soft and charming house style."

—Richard Juhlin,
95 points

JJ Buckley is offering this pre-arrival for $99, its self-described "lowest price" anywhere. Thought the tasting note might be of interest.

Thanks Art. I ordered one from JJB at $90 (special client price). We'll see...

Sorry, I've been MIA myself. But now it's time to jump back into the river.

I've never been impressed with Pommery Cuvee Louise, but I have not tried any recent vintages.

I've been very impressed lately with the NV Bollinger. It's big, flavorful and tangy. Plays above its weight.

Stuart

Yup, Bolly's a winner.

cheap mr vino says the Kirkland (Costco) NV champagne ain't that bad and the price? $20 We were pleasantly surprised.