NV J Lassalle Preference
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Tasting notes
I would have welcomed a bit more cut and clarity to the wide (but still incomplete) range of Lassalle wines I most recently tasted (this June), but there was still a lot to like – and a style whose broad appeal is evident in the glass as well as in the commercial history of this house. J. Lassalle’s Meunier-dominated NV Brut Preference L03 offers Normandy cider-like expression of apple laced with fresh lime and green herbs, and complemented by a faint aura of toastiness. Lush and expansive mid-palate, it came up just a tad dry and disappointing in length, but should certainly give plenty of pleasure over the coming year. The mother-daughter team of Chantal Decelle-Lassalle and Angeline Templier carries on a tradition of vinous generosity and refinement begun by Chantal’s father Jules Lassalle when he founded his establishment in 1942, and on display stateside since 1970 and Kermit Lynch’s embryonic years as merchant (pre-Wine Route “Adventures”), an era when very few small family houses – much less grower-bottlers – were known beyond narrow French circles. Full malo-lactic conversion and three or more year stays on the lees are the Lassalle norm. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The NV Brut Premier Cru Preference presents a little more verve, focus and brightness than the Cachet d’Or. Hints of lime, white peach and jasmine are nicely woven together in this pointed, mid-weight offering. This is Lot L.03. Disgorged July 12, 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Lassalle has just a handful of new releases in the market this year. Importer: Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
The non-vintage Imperial Preference purports to be a Champagne where the blend is approximately five years in age. Its fresh apple/orange rind-like nose is followed by a lovely, medium-bodied, well-endowed Champagne that although excellent, is over-whelmed by its two siblings, the 1988 Cuvee Angeline and the non-vintage Brut Rose. Should readers find any of the ravishing 1990 Special Club (reviewed in Issue 109 and given a whopping 97 points), don't think twice about buying it. This wine was tasted in May, 1997. Kermit Lynch's wines are available throughout the United States, with the import label "Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, California." Kermit Lynch's address is 1605 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702; tel. (510) 524-1524, fax (510) 528-7026. In France, the Kermit Lynch office is located in Beaune; tel. 011 33 3 80 24 70 96; fax 011 33 3 80 24 18 64.
A particulary good value.