indeed- corrected.
Just my $.02, for what it’s worth. 15 different Champagnes is a LOT to drink, especially depending on the size of the pours. Depending on how much experience your group has, it’s not that difficult for folks to drink too much of the earlier flights of Champagne, leading them to be a bit tipsy (or more) by the time you reach some of the more “serious” bottles. Only you know the tolerance & experience level of your group, but I might be tempted to pare it down to 12 max.
I’m sure I’ll be accused of being part of the “anti-pleasure police.” ![[snort.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/b/bdc3944606213c4dca6c1169cf0a166c8bc4f8c9.gif "snort.gif"){kind=small}
Bruce
Hi Ledwards- CdG is not a BdB- it is actually a combo of chard and Pinot, but much more in the racy, acidic profile that is more characteristic of the comtes and salon. I def would place it in that flight, as it would be too overwhelming stylistically when matched up in any of the other flights.
I really think it depends on how many people are in attendance- if 12 people, 2 oz pours is fine to make sure people have the stamina for the later pourings.
What’s the difference between the regular Dom and the Oneotheque? Sorry if it’s a dumb question but I am not well versed when it comes to champagne.
Later disgorged with a little less dosage.
Ray nailed it. A much fresher style- they have been phased out by the new p2 and p3 bottlings.
Gotcha…thanks fellas!
Double blind, single blind, or labels open? (Not that it affects the flights, I’m just curious.)
Either labels exposed, or single blind flights.
This, but switch the Pol Roger and the Billecart.
respectfully disagree. OP said: “The flights don’t need to be even in number, just consistent, stylistically.”
i think to pair the dom with the dom oeno is a disservice to both as they are not stylistically consistent… the reg dom will be overwhelmed, and the oeno is worthy of far better champagnes that are in the lineup. you are cheapening the oeno, and drowning the regular bottling.
I would make an excuse in the case of the two Doms. I think it would be extremely fun and educational for the group to taste them side-by-side. I have done it myself many times. If they are in separate flights the attendees won’t get to evaluate what extended lees aging can do to a cuvee, which is something that perhaps many of them won’t ever get a chance to do. Also, with all due respect, I think you’re undervaluing the regular '96 DP.
I agree with all your sentiments except the last point, 96 Oeno just blows away the 96 dom when side by side. Probably because it’s fresher and more powerful.
definitely agree it would be fun and can understand it in that context- i am actually planning to try this with my bottles of dom 90, dom 90 oeno, and dom 90 p3.
Don’t get me wrong, I prefer the Oeno, but to me it’s not a big enough difference in quality that I would relegate the regular Dom to a lesser flight or shy away from doing the comparison for educational purposes.
Don’t agree with the comments on the DP’s. Well-stored original disgorgement not only won’t be overwhelmed by the Oeno, but will be more complex and for me, better than the straightforward (at this point) Oeno.
Scott - For me the '96 Billecart Grande Cuvee is a better champagne than the '96 Pol Roger SWC and therefore I think is better suited for the DP’s.
Andrew - Of course there is no “right” answer so let us know which way you decide and how the tasting goes. Friends and I do a very comprehensive '96 Champagne horizontal every year. Last year we had almost 30 different bottles. I’m sure it will be quite enjoyable.
Now that will be an awesome tasting! I don’t (yet) have any vintages in all three plenitudes. Maybe I should buy a 1971 P3? Haha
Fair enough. I haven’t had the '96 Billecart Grande Cuvee – I was basing my view on an unimpressive Nicolas-Francois that I had a while ago. Also, I love Sir Winnie!
I agree - '96 N.F. is not impressive.