The 9th Annual Champagne & Sparkling Wine Tasting - December 8, 2016
Table 1 - SPARKLING Wines from The Robins Cellars - Presented by Elizabeth Milburn
#1) Can Petit “Single Estate” Cava Brut 2013 Penedes, Spain # Btls. Ordered: ______$15.99 per bottle / $14.39 in a mixed case / $12.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
A fresh, crisp Cava from a small producer that produces well made Cavas from grapes grown at their Estate only – a rarity in the Cava world.
#2) Can Petit “Single Estate” Cava Brut ROSÉ ‘13 Penedes, Spain # Btls. Ordered: ______$15.99 per bottle / $14.39 in a mixed case / $12.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Lovely, light garnet color and flavors and aromas that ooze freshness. A welcome treat under any Rosé-bubbly-lover’s tree!
#3) Montesel Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Extra Dry ‘15 Veneto # Btls. Ordered: _____ $23.99 per bottle / $21.59 in a mixed case / $18.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Montesel has been a mainstay at The Club for over 10 years! To me, it is the Best value going in an Extra dry (Extra Dry is actually a touch sweeter than Brut – confusing? – Yes!) bubbly under $30! Very easy drinking style and fine beading.
#4) Tintero Moscati d’Asti “Sori Gramella” 2016 Piedmont, Italy # Btls. Ordered: ______$12.89 per bottle / $11.60 in a mixed case / $10.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
There cannot be a better value in REAL Moscato from its original home in Asti, Piedmont, Italy. Fresh, fresh, fresh! The natural sweetness of the Moscato grape is balanced superbly here by refreshing acididty which keeps the Wine from being cloyingly sweet. Anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth Will love this or serve with light desserts or as dessert itself!
CHAMPAGNES from The Robins Cellars - Presented by David O’Neill
#5) Lenoble “Cuvée Intense” Brut NV # Btls. Ordered: ______$39.99 per bottle / $35.99 in a mixed case / $33.99 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
Along with the Gatinois Tradition from Roanoke Valley below, I find this to be the Best bang for the buck in non-vintage Brut. AR Lenoble is a very small producer that is family owned and operated. 91 points Josh Raynolds in Vinous “Pale gold. Fresh pear, tangerine and buttered toast on the mineral-accented nose. Fleshy but focused on the palate, offering juicy citrus and orchard fruit flavors, plus a hint of white pepper that adds back-end lift and cut. Finishes stony and incisive, with a sexy floral nuance coming in late.”
#5-A) Lenoble “Cuvée Intense” Brut NV 375ml # Btls. Ordered: ______$24.99 per bottle / $22.99 in a mixed case / $20.99 in a solid case (12 btls) 91 points Vinous
#5-B) Lenoble “Cuvée Intense” Brut NV 1500ml # Btls. Ordered: ______$85.99 net per bottle 91 points Vinous
#6) Lenoble Rosé “Terroirs” Brut NV # Btls. Ordered: ______$49.99 per bottle / $44.99 in a mixed case / $42.99 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
92 points Josh Raynolds in Vinous “Light, bright orange. Vibrant, mineral-driven red berry, orange zest and jasmine aromas are complemented by deeper suggestions of smoky lees and anise. Rich and broad yet surprisingly lively on the palate, offering bitter cherry and raspberry flavors that are given lift and cut by juicy acidity. Finishes taut and stony, with echoing red fruit and leesy nuances. This robust yet tensile pink Champagne would work well with rich fish dishes or even lighter poultry preparations; it would also be fantastic with raw or rare tuna or salmon.”
#7) Lenoble Blanc de Blancs Brut Chouilly NV # Btls. Ordered: ______$47.99 per bottle / $43.19 in a mixed case / $39.99 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
91 points Roger Voss in Wine Enthusiast “This is a very lively wine with a creamy mousse. The wine is towards dry, bringing out great white and citrus fruit flavors with a burst of tangy acidity. It comes from the village of Chouilly in the Côte des Blancs, which gives the wine a tight mineral texture at the end.
#8) Lenoble “Cuvée Riche” Demi-Sec NV # Btls. Ordered: ______$43.99 per bottle / $39.59 in a mixed case / $36.99 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
Not quite as sweet as most true demi-secs. Very refreshing after a satisfying meal or along with a not-too-sweet dessert.
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Table 2 - SPARKLING Wines from The Country Vintner - Presented by Rebecca Moss
#1) François Montand Blanc de Blancs Brut NV Jura, FR # Btls. Ordered: ______$11.99 per bottle / $10.79 in a mixed case / $10.39 in a solid case (12 btls)
A remarkably good value in entry level Sparkling from France. Keep some of the splits (187ml/single servings) on hand for mimosas and the like. And, the magnums are fun for parties!
#1-A) François Montand Brut NV 187ml Jura, France # Btls. Ordered: ______$4.99 per bottle / $4.49 in a mixed case / $4.25 in a solid case (24 btls)
#1-B) François Montand Brut NV 1500ml Jura, France # Btls. Ordered: ______$26.99 per bottle / $24.29 in a mixed case / $22.99 in a solid case (6 btls)
#2) Kila Cava Brut 2014 Penedes, Spain # Btls. Ordered: ______$12.79 per bottle / $11.51 in a mixed case / $10.79 in a solid case (12 btls)
This is the entry level Cava from renowned Cava producer, Marques de Golida. Dry and fresh and with remarkably fine beading. Another winner from importer extraordinaire, Jorge Ordonez!
#3) Zardetto “Z” Prosecco Brut NV - Organic Jura, FR # Btls. Ordered: ______$18.99 per bottle / $17.09 in a mixed case / $15.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Zardetto is one of the largest Prosecco producers and this Organic selection is the latest addition to their range. This Zardetto and the Montesel at Robins’ table are two excellent Proseccos in their respective styles. This one for those liking thenm drier and the Montesel for those seeking an extras deth of richness along with a slight sweetness.
#4) Steorra Brut NV Russian River Valley, CA # Btls. Ordered: ______Regularly $25!! $19.99 per bottle / $17.99 in a mixed cs. / $16.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
This is the newest from the Wagner family of Caymus fame. A very good value in quality Cali-bubbly! 90 points Virginie Boone in Wine Enthusiast “Joe Wagner's latest addition to his Copper Cane Wine & Provisions offerings is this dry brut, made from 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir. Touched by lemon and grapefruit, it starts with a nuance of flowers before launching into satisfying creaminess that lingers pleasantly on the palate.”
CHAMPAGNES from The Country Vintner - Presented by Rob Boclair
#5) Besserat de Bellefon Brut NV Épernay, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$41.99 per bottle / $37.79 in a mixed case / $34.99 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
For a large firm, Besserat de Bellefon manages to consistently produce well made and inexpensive Champagnes across their portfolio. 90 points Roger Voss in Wine Enthusiast “This nonvintage Brut epitomizes the fruit of Pinot Meunier and the more structured character of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is balanced, full of white fruit and touches of apricot, with a lively line of acidity. Drink this bottling now.”
#5-A) Besserat de Bellefon Brut NV 375ml Épernay, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$25.99 per bottle / $23.39 in a mixed case / $21.99 in a solid case (12 btls) 90 points Wine Enthusiast
#5-B) Besserat de Bellefon Brut NV 1500ml Épernay, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$97.99 net per bottle 90 points Wine Enthusiast
#6) Gaston Chiquet Brut Tradition NV Dizy, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$50.99 per bottle / $45.89 in a mixed case / $42.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Gaston Chiquet is a very small grower making his own wines (The large Champagne houses like Clicquot, Mumm and the like buy almost all of their fruit. And in many cases, they buy finished wine and just put their label on it!). He is one of the original grower Champagnes in the highly acclaimed portfolio of importer, Michael Skurnik.
90 points Alison Napjus in Wine Spectator “Lightly floral, this subtle, balanced version offers flavors of lemon curd, yellow plum, chalk and biscuit. Disgorged July 2014. Drink now. 850 cases imported
#6-A) Gaston Chiquet Brut Tradition NV375ml Dizy, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$28.99 per bottle / $26.09 in a mixed case / $24.99 in a solid case (12 btls) 90 points Wine Spectator
#7) Le Mesnil Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2007 Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Champ. # Btls. Ordered: ______$46.99 per bottle / $42.29 in a mixed case / $39.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
A truly fantastic grand cru champagne from a great vintage. This excellent quality champagne offers a full and rich palate with a yeasty complexity and a long finish.
#8) J-M Sèléque “Solessence” Brut Rosé NV Pierry, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$45.99 per bottle / $43.91 in a mixed case / $39.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
92 points Josh Raynolds in Vinous “Bright orange-pink. Red berries, citrus zest, toasted brioche and smoky minerals on the deeply perfumed nose. Chewy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering sharply focused strawberry and blood orange flavors braced by a jolt of chalky minerals. The mineral element adds lift and cut to the expansive finish, which clings with strong smoky tenacity. Two thousand eleven is the base vintage for this bottling and 30% of the blend is in the form of reserve Pinot Noir that was aged in oak.”
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Table 3 SPARKLING Wines from Roanoke Valley Wine Co. - Presented by Brandon Brown
#1) Monteros Cava Brut NV Penedes, Spain # Btls. Ordered: ______$10.89 per bottle / $9.80 in a mixed case / $8.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Along with the Kila Cava from Country Vintner, this offers great value in inexpensive Cava. And at this Price, you can use it for Mimosas as well as enjoying on its own. Light, fresh and oh-so drinkable!
#2) Gaillard “Clemence Guery” Crémant de Loire Brut NV Loire Valley, FR # Btls. Ordered: ______$16.59 per bottle / $14.93 in a mixed case / $13.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Another mainstay at The Club, the Clemence Guerry is a top value! 90 points Decanter “Fine fizz from a biodynamic producer that's a blend of Chenin, Chardonnay and, unusually, Cabernet Franc. It's dry but fruit-driven, with lots of ripe apple notes that decorate the zesty, vibrant, stylish palate. Great value for money.”
#3) Tocco Prosecco Extra Dry NV Friuli, Italy # Btls. Ordered: ______$13.79 per bottle / $12.41 in a mixed case / $11.49 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
Not to the level of quality as the Extra Dry Montesel (table #1) but for the money, it is a very good value.
#4) Saint Hilaire Blanc de Blancs “Gold Label” 2014 Limoux, FR # Btls. Ordered: ______$17.69 per bottle / $15.92 in a mixed case / $14.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux is sourced from the oldest sparkling wine producing region on the planet! In 1531, Benedictine monks from Saint-Hilaire were producing a still wine made from the Mauzac grape and stumbled upon bottles going through secondary fermentation. The appellation of Blanquette de Limoux was born! Still made in the same, traditional way today, Saint-Hilaire Brut displays aromatic flavors with a wonderful, full, creamy mouthfeel. Think non- vintage Champagne for a fraction of the cost! Bottles of Saint Hilaire were found in Thomas Jefferson’s cellar at Monticello!
CHAMPAGNES from Roanoke Valley Wine Co. Presented by Tom Bjornsen, “The Official Champagne Guy of The Tony Kornheiser Radio Show”
#5) Chapuy Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV Oger, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$40.99 per bottle / $36.89 in a mixed case / $34.99 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
Always a crowd favorite, the Chapuy is one of the Club’s bigeest selling Champagnes year after year. 91 points Alison Napjus in Wine Spectator “Elegant yet firm, structured by racy acidity, with a vein of chalky minerality and flavors of patisserie apple, apricot, salted almond and lemon preserves. Lovely texture. Drink now through 2019”
#6) Voirin-Jumel Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV Cramant, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$41.99 per bottle / $37.79 in a mixed case / $35.99 in a solid case (6 bottle case!)
A fabulous GRAND CRU Blanc de Blancs at the same price that we used to sell the Premier Cru!! 91 points Josh Raynolds in Vinous “Bright gold. Emphatically fruity on the nose and palate, offering fresh pear, nectarine and orange zest aromas and flavors. Juicy and open-knit, with suave floral and sweet butter qualities emerging on the back half, along with a hint of melon. This very expressive blanc de blancs finishes smoky and penetrating, with a suggestion of chalky minerality gaining power.”
#6-A) Voirin-Jumel Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 1500ml Cramant # Btls. Ordered: ______$93.99 net per bottle 91 points Vinous
#7) Michel Arnould Grand Cru Brut NV Verzenay, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$43.99 per bottle / $39.59 in a mixed case / $37.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
Patrick Arnould crafts simply beautiful wines. His Brut Grand Cru (mostly Pinot Noir) is laced with his signature wet-stone and slate complexities. Truly remarkable Grand Cru bubbly from a great producer.
#8) Clouet ‘Grande Reserve” Grand Cru Brut NV Bouzy, Champagne #Btls. Ordered: ______$50.99 per bottle / $45.89 in a mixed case / $42.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
91 points Josh Raynolds in Vinous “Vivid yellow. Tightly focused citrus and orchard fruits scents are complemented by deeper hints of buttered toast and honey. Fleshy and dry on the palate, offering mineral-laced pear and tangerine flavors lifted by juicy acidity. Suggestions of tarragon and chamomile emerge on the finish, which leaves a dusty mineral quality behind.”
#9) Gatinois Grand Cru Brut Tradition NV Ay, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$47.59 per bottle / $42.83 in a mixed case / $39.99 in a solid case (12 btls)
To me and to most at the tasting, this is the current Best Buy in non-vintage Champagne – period!! 92 points Antonio Galloni in Vinous “The NV Brut Grand Cru Tradition is one of the very best values readers will find in artisan Champagne. Beautifully perfumed and aromatic, the Tradition offers exceptional quality, especially in its price range. White flowers, mint, pear and baked apples all flesh out effortlessly. Creamy, layered and expressive, but also light on its feet, the Tradition is impeccably balanced. Still a bit tightly wound, the Tradition needs a bit more time in bottle to open up. This release is based on 2012, with the addition of reserve wines. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Today, the Tradition is a bit lithe within the context of Aÿ Champagnes, yet it makes up for that with striking freshness. Disgorged: May 2015.”
#9-A) Gatinois Grand Cru Brut Tradition NV 375ml Ay, Champagne # Btls. Ordered: ______$29.99 per bottle / $26.99 in a mixed case or solid case (12.btls) 92 points Vinous
MEMBER NAME: ______MEMBER # ______
Turn in orders no later than this Wednesday the 14th at 4 p.m. The completed orders will be ready for pick-up no later than Friday the 16th at 2 p.m.