CATCHING UP: 4 BUBBLIES - Around Tokyo (4/6/2006-4/16/2006)

1. Guests in Town

You know those wines that accumulate because so many people bring them
as hostess gifts when you entertain? Well, I've got a big stockpile of
Veuve NV. Time to lower the count by one.

*N.V. Moët & Chandon Champagne Brut Imperial Rosé - France,
Champagne, Épernay, Champagne (4/6/2006)*

Very pretty deepish copper color with a nicely refined mousse. Nose
shows a sweet burst of strawberry fruit, enlivened by a hint of citrus
and mineral. Palate shows just a hint of steel in attack and texture,
but is really about strawberry and cherry flavors. Not overly sweet,
but finishes with a bit of berry sweetness. Simple and direct but
actually quite delicious. Lacks the structural elements I love in good
rosé Champagne, but a fun bit to sip with my wife on our anniversary
evening while we put flowers into vases and helped James with homework.
Not everything has to be complex or even in my generally preferred lean
style. Another bottle that was a gift from someone else. A nice
surprise showing, but not something I'm ever going to buy given the
alternatives at the price.

2. Anniversary

Sucks when the anniversary falls on a worknight and we can't get out
until the weekend. At least we can drink a bit of Chanmpagne.

*N.V. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne Brut - France, Champagne,
Reims, Champagne (4/12/2006)*

Medium-sized mousse in a strawish-colored wine. Nose of green apple and
white plum with a hint of leesiness, but not much else. Palate is very
much in balance and shows none of the odd sweetness that has shown in
some bottles over recent years. However, it shows a bit of dilution in
the middle and nothing of extraordinary interest. Competent, balanced,
perhaps better than expected - just nothing to get excited about.
Received as a gift, this does better than most such gifts. Pulled from
the gift corner, this fills the bill perfectly when one is called upon
to serve Champagne to houseguests who don't give a flip about wine.

3. Variety Is the Spice of Life

I've tried St. Peray, but never any from Voge. This is the basic
bottling. I'm looking forward to trying one of the higher end versions.

*N.V. Alain Voge St. Péray - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St.
Péray (4/14/2006)*

There's a depth to the yellow that is hinting at gold and at sunny
ripeness. Mousse is perhaps a little large, but is nicely persistent.
On the nose, honeysuckle flower combines with Champagne-like leesiness
to form a rich backdrop for the ripe peach and apricot fruit. On the
palate, there is a nice mineral element that props up the very rich
Marsanne/Roussane fruit. Finish is rich and not quite cloying, but this
would benefit from a touch more acid and a finer mousse. Drank this as
an aperitif. I'll be eager to try with dinner, where I think it will
fare better.

4. Easter Brunch

This was the basic free pour at brunch at the club.

*N.V. Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut L.P. - France, Champagne
(4/16/2006)*

Bright light yellow. Crisp bit of bread with bright white fruit on
nose. Palate is crisp and light with a little citrus and light ripe
apple. Style is clean and proper blanc de blancs, though there are also
pinots noir and muenier in here. Mousse is fine and persistent. In fact
everything is here - except any sense of excitement or flavor impact.
Good for the situation, as I could absent-mindedly drink three glasses
without having to pay attention to it. Yet another wine that is better
than most buffet fare, but not something I have any interest in buying.

Enjoy,

Jim

Posted from CellarTracker