This is the tasting I started the club for in the first place. Beautiful champagne...the bubbles rising to the top of the flute, the fruity and stony aromas, the celebratory feeling. It's all part of the experience. And then, it all takes me back to when I was IN Champagne. Stone homes on the steep vineyard hills, foggy and crisp weather, perfection. The history, the feeling. This is why we drink and taste and gather.
Korbel, California, Brut. There's always someone who brings the wrong bottle, but I kind of like it. It helps with comparisons. This well known SPARKLING WINE from California was quite apply and tart, too fruity, too sweet. Although this lacked balance, it would definitely work if one were serving a large group. Was bought for $16 but I know I've seen this for about $11. That's the most it's worth.
Saint Hilaire, Blanc de Blanc, Extra Brut, 2003. Not Champagne either, but we're getting warmer. Lots to decipher on the label here. The blanc de blanc, or white from white tells us that the juice came exclusively from white grapes. Since this is not a true champagne, we're not sure what the grapes were. Possibly chardonnay, maybe some vouvray or chenin blanc. Don't think I've ever seen Extra Brut - although there is definitely no sweetness here. Now the taste: very steely, minerals, earthy, light. I really like this wine when I'm in the mood for it, but I was one of the few fans of this wine. For $11, to me, it's a steal. Love the pun...
Paul Goerg, Blanc de Blanc, Brut. We've finally made it to Champagne! Unusual aromas of swiss cheese and wood, tastes like a sour fruit, perhaps grapefruit. Tart, lingers nicely on the palate. This was a curious sparkler - although no one was captivated by it, we all thought it could grow on us. I'll have to keep this one in mind when it's time for another tasting. At $23, it's a great price.
Nicholas Feuillette, Brut. I find this house to be either hit or miss, but I always have a reaction. This batch was almost too bubbly - this lead to a harsh drink. But I must say, it paired extremely well with all food. This wine screams for a meal.
Demoiselle, Brut. Catfood. Yes, it's true, this wine smelled and tasted like catfood. Most of us were fairly disgusted. 'Nuff said.
Piper Heidsick. My notes don't say much, but I remember that this was extremely balanced and clean. Without any specific qualities to point out, this is almost what I think of as a very good and basic champagne. Super nice.
Veuve Cliquot. Same as PH but even better. Great balance, just wanted more and more. This is more money than the PH, but there's something special there.
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