Today we share a brilliant new wine brand started by HALL. This is a project between Winemaker Mike Reynolds and Vintner Kathryn Hall. Mike Reynolds has a longstanding history in the California wine industry and was making great sparkling wine at Schramsberg before transforming the HALL program as their founding winemaker.
After serving as U.S. Ambassador to Austria in 2001, Kathryn Hall made a home on Avenue Foch in Paris—a place where Champagne was more than a drink; it was a way of life. The champagne house name honors Mike (Michel) and the Avenue (Foch), where Craig and Kathryn's Paris home for over 30 years is located.
The wines were seriously good. I have now had the entry level bottling three times and it has really impressed each time. Rich and dense with a refined mousse, I adore the NV Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne (OB, 93) which clearly has a large amount of reserve wines blended in. The best wine I tried was the stunning 2013 Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne (OB, 95) which spent a whopping 11 years on the lees prior to disgorgement. Learn more at https://www.michelfochwines.com and here are the outstanding new wines by champagne house Michel Foch.
NV Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne- Round, generous and delicious, this is now the third time that I have tasted this beautiful and well-priced champagne. Once on the nose this has baking spice laced brioche and shades of papaya with starfruit tones. The palate is rich with a terrific viscosity. Oyster shell notes collide with rich orchard and citrus fruits on the palate, with a lengthy finish. Drink 2025-2032- 93
NV Michel Foch Rose Champagne- Stored on the lees for 48 months, the NV Michel Foch Rose Champagne starts with a beautiful salmon hue. Orang peel and red currants combined with cranberry and suggestions of cardamom on the nose. The palate is elegant and soft with loads of tart red fruits that align with salty minerals. Drink 2025-2033- 92
2015 Michel Foch ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne- This 2015 Blanc de Blancs spent 9 years on the lees before disgorgement. Salted lemon rind and kumquat zest combine with diatomaceous earth and green apple accents on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant with serious verve and texture. This comes off very weightless, with outstanding length. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95
2013 Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne- The best wine of the tasting is the outstanding 2013 Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne is mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as this spent a whopping 11 years on the lees prior to disgorgement in 2024. This has refined bubbles with a soft mousse. Lychee and ripe mango flavors collide with loads of salty minerals on the palate. The oyster shell and lemon zest accents really add to the enjoyment, as this dazzles throughout the drinking experience. This is an absolutely killer bottling from a tough vintage in Champagne. Drink 2025-2033- 95
2011 Michel Foch ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Late Disgorged Champagne- Stored for 11 years on the lees, this 2011 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ has great autolytic character right now. Nutmeg drenched macadamia nut, salted sourdough bread and hints of candied ginger all combine on the palate. A glorious wine to enjoy now, watch this elegant and refined 2011 Champagne evolve over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 94