La Dilettante Méthode Traditionnelle

Think this is the new release, and it's lost something. Maybe just needs time, but that quiet depth I remember isn't there. Still good though. Popcorn and quince, chalk dust floating through, brilliant acid cutting clean lines, fresh and long. It's all technically there, just missing that contemplative quality that made previous bottles special.

Not much to add to my previous notes - still brilliant. Green apple and quince meet white flowers and honey, all riding on chalky minerality. And yes, that mushroom soup thing keeps happening. Fresh and steely on the palate, bubbles shimmer rather than sparkle. Baked apple, sea breeze, properly persistent. Soft texture but mineral at its core, finishing with that beautiful bitter edge I love. Great execution.

A quietly enchanting bottle. Opens with delicate green apple, quince, white flowers, and a whisper of honey - all laced with a chalky, floral minerality. Then, unexpectedly but beautifully, mushroom soup - savoury and grounding, like a secret handshake. On the palate it's fresh and steely, with fine bubbles that feel more like a shimmer than a sparkle. Baked apple and sea breeze linger through the finish. Soft in texture, but mineral to the core. A wine that hums rather than sings - and that's part of the charm.

It's still one of my go-to traditional sparklings - it always delivers, always pure bliss, whether I'm wrapping up late work, playing video games, or just drifting through some less thrilling moments.

The bouquet is complex, with a beautiful oxidative touch - full of honey, baked apples, mushroom broth, white plums, cider, and sea breeze notes. Fresh, racy, with a hint of cider, long and delicious on the palate. Good intensity without feeling heavy - a wine that never shouts, but always holds your attention.

I continue to enjoy this wine. Beyond what I've already noted, I want to highlight its volume and intensity - the structure is both captivating and beautifully woven. Nuanced and mineral-driven, it holds its own with remarkable balance. In my opinion, it could easily rival some non-entry-level Champagnes.

La Dilettante has become one of my favorite sparklers of the season for casual enjoyment. It strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and approachability. The wine is nuanced and mineral-driven, yet remains delightfully easy-going. The nose is beautiful, with aromas of creamy mushroom soup, baked apples touched with honey, and a hint of sea notes. On the palate, it is deliciously fresh and even racy, with a long aftertaste and intense flavors. The finish is slightly creamy, making it a truly enjoyable experience.

This wine is a delightful gem, subtly expressive yet possessing a strong character. It presents captivating aromas of creamy mushroom soup, bruised apples, a hint of honey, and a whisper of Jerez. Although not overly complex, it offers intricate and nuanced details with undeniable charm---a wine that tells its own story. On the palate, it is round and salty, with a persistent finish that gently fades, leaving a lingering memory of the sea.

It's not that I'm bored of sparkling wines; it's just particularly delightful to encounter something new and memorable. This wine, with its pronounced notes of mushroom cream soup, bruised apples, and honey, evokes the feeling that autumn is just around the corner. A slight bitterness and overall saltiness add to the deliciously pleasant experience. The mousse is gentle and pleasingly playful yet not intense. Overall, it's a nice experience.