Pre-Valentines Day Champagne Tasting for at Wine Watch
Friday, February 12, 2010 - 07:00 PM
This Event has been read: 454 times.
I drink Champagne when I win, to celebrate...and I drink Champagne when I lose,
to console myself. ~ Napoleon Bonaparte
[FIRSTNAME], can you think of a better way to start this Valentine's weekend than a tasting featuring close to 30 different types of tiny bubbles. We will focus on the rose
style of Champagnes and sparkling wines as these are the correct color for the
occasion but we will be featuring a range of method champenoise style sparkling
wines that are sure to get you off to a good start with your significant other
on this special evening. We will be setting up stations in the outside courtyard
at Progresso Plaza and all of the Champagne and Sparkling wine that we feature
at this event will be price at 20% off our normal list price- for this evening
only. Chef Michael Saperstein will be making a few tasty treats to accompany
the tiny bubbles, the fee for this event is $35 + tax and we are limited to 50
tasters this evening, for reservations call 954-523-9463.
Southern Wine
Nicolas Feuillatte Rose Brut Champagne NV
Price: $50.75 Sale $44.66 Case $518
(89 Points) This is spicy, showing strawberry and cherry flavors that fold
nicely into the rich texture. The spice elements continue from start to finish.
Nice length. Drink now. -BS Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 30, 2009
Bollinger Brut Rose Champagne NV
Price: $124.50 Sale $109.56 Case $1270
(88 Points) Floral, menthol and yeast aromas are distinctive in this fresh,
light-weight Champagne. It firms up on the finish, leaving a mouthwatering
impression. Wine Spectator Oct 31, 2008
Perrier Jouet Blason Rose Brut Champagne NV
Price: $56.25 Sale $49.50 Case $574
Fresh strwaberry and raspberry like fruit on the nose with notes of ginger spice
and rose petals. Fresh and lively on the tongue with a good amount of dosage
very fruity light red berry fruit with a creamy mousse light mineral notes on
the finish. Finish 45+ Excellent +
Mumm Napa Rose NV
Price: $19.50 Sale $17.16 Case $199
Formerly known as the Mumm Napa Blanc de Noirs release, the Brut Rosé offers a
bouquet of ripe Pinot Noir fruit, rich with black cherry and strawberry notes.
Part of the wine is initially fermented in the press, producing the soft fruity
character that gives Brut Rosé its directness, while a small percentage of
Chardonnay gives the wine power and structure.
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir Carneros NV
Price: $20.25 Sale $17.82 Case $207
Bright strawberry and black cherry aromas with subtle vanilla highlights. Creamy cherry, lemon and cola flavors combine with a lush palate, small, lively bubbles and a persistent finish.
Freixenet Brut Rose Cava NV
Price: $15 Sale $13.20 Case $153
This sparkling wine is fresh, crisp and lively. It is full of ripe cherry and berry flavors with a body that is exceptionally smooth and satiny. It is surprisingly dry with a long and satisfying finish.
Republic National
Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut Cava NV
Price: $17.50 Sale $15.40 Case $179
The bouquet is reminiscent of recently picked and deliciously ripe summer fruits, particularly raspberry and blackcurrants, yielding an incredibly fresh taste with very subtle citrus notes. Elegant, fresh and vibrant with a crisp, citrus finish.
Piper Heidsieck Rose Sauvage Brut Champagne NV
Price: $58.00 Sale $51.04 Case $592
(91 Points) Very concentrated and vibrant, this Champagne delivers cherry,
cranberry and spice notes on a broad swath of cashmerelike texture. The
structure emerges on the finish, but it remains focused and balanced throughout.
Drink now Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 15, 2004
Domaine Carneros Brut Napa 2005
Price: $24 Sale $21.12 Case $245
Beautifully focused and refined, with Gala apple and raspberry aromas and flavors that are crisp yet layered, with creamy lemon and lime notes and a finish that lingers with mineral and a hint of yeast. Drink now through 2012. 45,000 cases made. -TF (92 Points) Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 30, 2008
Tattinger Prestige Rose Brut Champagne NV
Price $67.50 Sale $59.40 Case $689
A fruity style, featuring cherry, raspberry and red currant notes allied to a round profile. Though leaning toward softness, a chalklike sensation propels the finish. Drink now. (88 Points) BS Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 30, 2009
Taltarni Brut Tache Australia
Price $24.75 Sale $21.78 Case $253
This is soft and appealing for its creamy texture and delicate toast and pineapple flavors. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported. (86 Points) HS Wine SPectator Issue: Dec 31, 2009
Transatlantic
Roederer Estate l'Ermitage Anderson Valley 2002
Price: $54 Sale $47.52 Case $551
Sleek and complex, with lovely aromas of green apple, loam and warm cinnamon rolls. The flavors show pinpoint focus, yet are nicely layered, with baked apple, lime and toasty spice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2013. 8,332 cases made. (91 Points) TF Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 30, 2008
Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Price: $41.25 Sale $36.30 Case $421
The blend here is 56% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier including 10% reserve wines that are aged in oak cask from 2-6 years. Aromas of pear honey vanilla spice and toasted walnuts on the nose. Smooth and polished on the palate with fine silky bubbles and notes of fresh dough on the finish. Finish 35+ EXCELLENT
Deutz Brut Classic Champagne NV
Price: $39.00 Sale $34.32 Case $398
Floral, apple and yeast notes are lively and fresh in this elegant Champagne, which is backed by a vibrant structure. Makes a lovely aperitif. Drink now. 9,000 cases imported. (88 Points) BS Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 15, 2008
J Brut Cuvee 20 Sonoma NV
Price: $18 Sale $15.84 Case $184
Sleek and fruit-forward, with appealing lemon-lime and anise aromas that lead to crisp yet creamy pear, green apple and spice flavors. Drink now. 22,800 cases made. (88 Points) TF Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 15, 2009
Lucien Albrecht Rose NC Alsace
Price: $20.75 Sale $18.26 Case $212
Light raspberry and strawberry like fruit on the nose, very forward and pleasant aromas. Fresh light red berry fruit on the tongue with smooth creamy bubbles leaving the tongue fresh and clean on the finish, a real crowd pleaser style. Finish 35+ EXCELLENT
Lucien Albrecht Brut NV Alsace
Price: $20.75 Sale $18.26 Case $212
Ginger and lemon zest flavors enliven this zesty sparkler. It's light-bodied, with citrus acidity and a modest finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported. (83 Points) Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2009
Henriot Rose Brut Champagne
Price $70.25 Sale $61.82 Case $717
On the dry side, with spice notes accenting the red berry flavors, with a chalky feel. Balanced and intense, though not flashy. Berry notes and a hint of orange peel grace the finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported. (90 Points) BS Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 30, 2009
Henriot Brut Champagne Souverain NV
Price $42.75 Sale $37.62 Case $436
Toast, pencil shavings and citrus aromas and flavors mark this elegant, intense Champagne, which is firmly structured and could benefit from additional short-term aging. Best from 2009 through 2012. 4,000 cases imported. (90 Points) BS Wine Spectator
Selected Brands
Guy Larmandier Rose Brut Champagne Premier Cru NV
Price $71.75 Sale $63.14 Case $732
The profile of these Champagnes is known to be very light, delicate and dry,
with good acidity and just enough richness to taste luxurious, but not so much
as to mask the terroir and minerality. Very little dosage is used, so the
finished Champagne has purity and transparency of flavor.
Jacquesson 733 NV
Price $67.25 Sale $59.18 Case $686
Cuvee No 733 is freshly released and based on the 2005 harvest with a small
(16%) component from 2004 and a dash (6%) of the 2001 reserve wine. Driven by
excellent chardonnay fruit, it displays brightness and purity, very fruit
expressive on the nose, some citrus, beeswax, a floral note and chalk. The
palate boasts a smoky edge with an almost meaty fruit texture, savoury earthy
pinot meunier notes and a grilled nutty flavour at the finish. Roundness and
finesse combine in a fine sense of balance; harmonious, complete and astutely
charactered.
Gardet Brut Champagne 1er Cru
Price $48 Sale $42.24 Case $490
Rich and creamy, but also elegant. The flavors evoke peach and honey, with hints of toast, nuts and ginger, backed by a vibrant structure. Fine length. This is already delicious, yet will age for a few more years. Drink now through 2012. 9,000 cases made. (92 Points) BS Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2009
Bortolotti Prosecco di Valdobiadenne NV
Price $17.75 Sale $15.62 Case $181
A bright, frothy Prosecco, with lemon flower, apple and mineral character. Clean, lively and fun to drink. Drink now. 17,900 cases made. (85 Points) JC Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2009
Graham Beck Brut Rose NV
Price $15.75 Sale $13.86 Case $161
Light and fresh, with watermelon and light spice hints backed by a round finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. (84 Points) JM Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2009
Bertin Henri Selections
Domaine Fouet Cremant de Loire Rose Saumur NV
Price: $21.75 Sale $19.14 Case $222
Stylish, loire-ish and dry, this coral colored gem has all the authenticity of
its white counterpart but an added fruitiness appropriate to its hue.
Paul Dethune Rose Grand Cru NV
Price: $63 Sale $55.44 Case $643
80% pinot nor and 20% chardonnay- Ambonnay. Bright orange-pink color.
Expressive aromas of raspberry, cherry and smoky lees. Broad, palate staining
red and dark fruit flavors packs a serious punch but are enlivened by juicy
acidity, which lends focus and spine. Powerful, chewy Champagne with strong
mineral grip and finishing thrust. This is dry enough to work by itself but its
richness would make it a good companion to flavored foods. Barrel-fermented and
aged in traditional 205-liter Champagne oak casks. 91 pts IWC.
Domaine Meriwether Prestige Rose Willamette Valley 1999
Price: $37.25 Sale $32.78 Case $380
80% pinot, 20% chardonnay, Fermented in small lots in French oak
barrels. This cuvee undergoes a minimum of 6 years on the yeast. WINEMAKER'S
NOTES: "Lovely pink color, enhanced by the gentle mousse forming a lasting
crown. As might be expected from the best Willamette Valley Pinot, the aromas
are highlighted with fresh strawberries and a toasty caramel undertone. These
notes give way to red fruit on the palate with subtle hints of spice. Lovely
acidity."
Augustan Wine Imports
Larmandier Bernier Cramant 2004
Price: $93 Sale $81.84 Case $949
The 2004 Extra Brut Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes de Cramant explodes from the glass with an array of earthiness, smoke and lime peel in a sensual, utterly rapturous style. The Vielles Vignes de Cramant is a little more generous than the Nature Terre de Vertus, but the wine’s richness has been achieved while maintaining superb precision and elegance. It’s all here in this gorgeous, captivating old-vine Champagne. Here dosage is 2 grams, still miniscule in the grand scheme of things. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2019.
Larmandier Bernier Non Dos Vertus
Price: $63 Sale $55.44 Case $643
The estate’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Nature Terre de Vertus features notes of chalkiness, lime peel and flowers that recall a great Sancerre. This medium-bodied Champagne reveals a focused personality, with notable energy and freshness to spare on the finish. I found it hard to move on to the next wine. In a word: awesome. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2017.
Elio Perrone Bigaro Rosato 2008
Price: $19.25 Sale $16.94 Case $197
Stefano Perrone has made his sensational Bigaro cuvée since 2001. A translucent ruby in color, it is a blend of Moscato and Brachetto. The Brachetto not only gives the wine its beautiful color, but it shifts the flavors from tropical fruits in the direction of red fruits. The wine is vinified in exactly the same way as Perrone's Moscato and is comparable in its residual sugar level, low alcohol, and creamy bubbles. It is sensational with sorbets and hazelnut and chestnut desserts. The name Bigaro means "speckled" in the Piedmontese dialect and refers to the wine's delicate ruby color. Robert Parker called the debut vintage of Bigaro "beguiling." Now in its sixth year, Bigaro has acquired a loyal following, and the small production doesn't go very far.
Villafranca Casteller Cava NV
Price: $11.25 Sale $9.90 Case $115
Cava is Spanish sparkling wine, made like French Champagne but usually made with indigenous Spanish varietals such as Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Paralleda. This Castellar is made of 40% Macabeo, 40% Parellada, and 20% Xarello. Casteller Cava is dry, crisp, clean and refreshing. This is a softer and more fruit driven version of Champagne. Hints of lime and other citrus, as well as green apple. The finish is light and delicate. 11.5% Alcohol by volume.
Villafranca Casteller Cava Rose NV
Price: $11.25 Sale $9.90 Case $115
Menu
Caviar and Blinis with traditional accompaniments
Tuna Tar Tar infused with truffle oil accompanied by parmesian crisps
Nori wrapped Salmon toasted Sesamie roll offered with sweet soy emulsion
Tempura Shrimp Futomaki with crispy ginger relish and wasabi cream
International Cheese Fondu