Large-format festive fun with these 1500ml bottles
In celebration circles, magnums are never a mistake. Just the mere sight of them sparks vibes of generosity, sharing and protracted pleasure.
We have a good spread of 1500ml bottles all year round; some of them are fancy and rare but many are more modestly priced and therefore ripe for repeat enjoyment.
Here are a few that mostly fall in the latter category. They’ll never disappoint.
NV Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée No. 742 Magnum $297
The Extra-Brut Cuvee No. 742, based on the 2014 vintage, is a gorgeous wine. In this release, the Cuvee seems especially marked by Pinot in both its flavor profile and texture. Dried pear, hazelnut, mint, chamomile and dried flowers all grace this rich, beautifully resonant Champagne from Jacquesson. Best of all, the 742 will drink well with minimal cellaring. The 700-series Champagnes are often superb; the 742 is an especially fine edition. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Dosage is 1.5 grams per litre. 94 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media Based on the 2014 vintage and disgorged with 1.5 grams per litre dosage in July 2018, Jacquesson’s NV Extra Brut Cuvee No. 742 continues the house’s pioneering series of cuvees that employ reserve wines not in pursuit of a constant “house style” but merely with the aim of complementing each base vintage to maximize its potential. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of walnut oil, dried white flowers, saffron, citrus oil and crisp orchard fruit, along with a delicate top note of fino sherry, it’s medium to full-bodied, sapid and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. I found it irresistible.
93+ points. William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
2017 clos Clare Riesling MAGNUM $75
Pale straw-green; a scented bouquet of lemon and lime blossom sets the scene for a wine of great purity and balance, the fruits promised by the bouquet driving the long palate, sustained by minerally acidity. Lovely wine, longevity assured by quality and evidenced by gold medals for the ’09 and ’10 at the Clare Valley Wine Show ’17.
94 points, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
2017 Koehler-Ruprecht Kallstadter Trocken Riesling MAGNUM $75
Rich bouquet offering honey, toast, candlewax, ripe pear and tropical fruit notes – palate has generosity and concentration, mellifluous, honeyed and waxy, textural with chew and pucker on its side, long finish with bitter (pleasing) tang. Nicely done complex style.
94 points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
2018 Dönnhoff Estate Riesling MAGNUM $96
Brilliant transparency for an estate riesling here; this is glimmering in lightly soaked stones, white pepper, green apples and paprika. Very polished and very pure on the medium-bodied palate with loads of petrichor undertones. Taut and fine framed. Drink now.
93 points. Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com
2019 Dr Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett MAGNUM $107
Cool and crisp with tons of apple, cassis and mint character and a wonderful light touch. Stunningly refreshing! Drink or hold. Screw cap.
92 points. Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com
2017 Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre MAGNUM $215
The 2017 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre 1er Cru is gorgeous. Sweet, perfumed and light on its feet, the 2017 possesses striking aromatic intensity and nuance. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, white pepper and chamomile add layers of nuance to a super-refined Chablis that conveys energy and finesse – the two key signatures of this great premier cru site.
94 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
2017 Chalmers Rosato MAGNUM $58
Whole-bunch pressed (no saignee), wild yeast, 63% aglianico fermented in barrel, 33% sagrantino and 4% nero d’Avola co-fermented in stainless steel. The whole bunch pressing is reflected by the very pale pink colour, the barrel fermentation by the spicy overtones to the bouquet. The palate is dry, but juicily fruity, with an even flow of small red fruits from start to finish. One for the nerds, but also for those who know just how high Australian standards are by world comparison, thanks to our winery technology.
93 points. James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
2018 G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo MAGNUM $114
The 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo emerges from a parcel in Sinio. Dark fruit, spice, earthy notes and a good bit of tannin give the Vajra’s Langhe Nebbiolo a decidedly brooding, powerful feel and quite a bit more seriousness than is typical at this level. Sweet red berry fruit, mint and spice add freshness alongside bright acidity as the 2018 opens up in the glass. This is such a pretty and expressive wine.
90 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media