Six of us met in Sedona for a few days of biking. I took advantage of Alaska Airline’s free wine policy and packed a WineCheck with 6 750’s and two magnums to share. We arrived in Sedona early last night, and raced the sunset with an eMtb ride. Barely made it back before dark, but rewarded ourselves with champagne, cheese, crackers, smoked salmon.
I first opened a 2016 Philippe Lancelot Fine fleur. From the belly of the jet to our table; travel shock be damned. Biodynamic and sans soufre (the latter of which often gives me pause), this rose to occasion and performed very well. Both rich and precise, with classic BdB character. Brioche, yellow apple, citrus. 2.5 g dosage was judged well. Aged in old barrels, full malo, none of which made it too soft.
I followed this with a 2008 Caillez-Lemaire Vinotheque. Very complex and intriguing Champagne. A blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Meunier, 100% barrel fermented and aged 15 years on the lees. The nose and palate were unusual, with spice dominating. Something like five-spice or exotic pepper. Layers of apple, brioche, and maybe even a hint of lychee. Not sure I liked it, but it definitely held my attention. I’ll need to open another to decide.
Hard day today. My Oura ring told me to take it easy, but my wife could have told it I don’t listen.
We had a huge morning and then an afternoon ride, with lunch and a needed nap in between. The trails were challenging and highly technical, and I had several spills and hiccups during the rides. Lots of exposure.
Tonight, we cooked steaks in the AirBnB. I opened a magnum of 2013 Larmandier Bernier VV de Levant, one of my all time favorite grower cuvées. Fantastic, but I’d have been disappointed were this my only bottle.
Here’s my CT note: Still a ways from peak, but already compelling. It manages to feel full-bodied yet restrained, like it’s holding something in reserve. Opens up slowly with air and warmth, showing ripe citrus, crushed chalk, and toasted brioche. There’s power, but it’s quiet for now.
Couldn’t quite tell from you pics. Were you riding Hiline, Templeton, or some other trails yesterday.
Looks like you are focused on MTB, but if you want to do some road riding, our local group rides on Saturday mornings out the Collective in the Village of Oak Creek. You are welcome to join.
For the best MTB trail recommendations, hit up the folks in the bike shop at Absolute bikes in the Village or Thunder Mountain shop in West Sedona. Both are solid shops.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Between the elevation, the sun, and the heat, visitors get dehydrated here way too often. Carry water, and drink way more than you think (especially after consuming bubbles the night before…).
Enjoy Sedona. Lots of sun the next few days, but some spring winds coming early next week.
Oh, one last thing. Don’t forget to try the White Line trail. It’s at the end of my street. Here’s a video…
Will do. We are still living summers in West Seattle. May get back up to Bellingham this summer for either Lake Padden or Lake Whatcom triathlons. Had a few great years running around the Skagit Valley doing the Ragnar Relays…
Hard to beat Sedona for MTB (eMTB not allowed). Hiline, Hogs, Hangover for more advanced) and Canyon of Fools is just pure joy. Hundreds of moderate + trails to squeal with excitement too.great food and drinks - give a holla if heads to phoenix for a night. Cheers
I have not. No MTB riding for me. Just road and gravel riding. I’m past my expiration date for MTB stuff, especially here in Sedona. Too much injury risk. But many of the folks i ride with are also monutain bikers. This is certainly a good place for that!
I’m steering clear of White Line and Highline, though our two younger riders tackled the latter tonight. We’ve packed a lot into five rides over two and a half days, with one more to go. This evening we rode Templeton, Easy Breezy, and HT. Earlier today we logged 24 miles, hitting Mescal, Aerie, Outer Limits, Sturrup, and more. Yesterday’s ride included Little Horse, Broken Arrow, Pig Tail, Pecary, and Hog Wash. I’ve had a few spills, hiccups, and full-on falls. Things I should probably be avoiding at 65, but we’re having an incredible time.
Tonight we grabbed ribs from the restaurant next to the bike shop where we rented our bikes. They paired surprisingly well with the wines I opened. Further proof that Champagne goes with everything.
Marc Hebrart Rosé Brut. Always a standout and one of our house rosés. Creamy strawberry and raspberry; orange zest. Sweet fruited but bright and balanced. This rosé d’assemblage was disgorged January 2021.
Followed that with an Egly Ouriet Les Vignes Vrigne. Another good pairing. A solid Pinot Meunier Champagne. It’s dense and slightly honeyed but still bright and lively. Apricot color may have influenced my impression of scents and flavors, which included apricot, pear, red berries, and a touch of almond.
