"Dropping bombs" on Champagne

WINE TALK
21

Nice. $108 a bottle in Chicago.

George

22

I also agree with Russell and David. Lots of very good grower stuff available that wasn’t in the past and as is always the case with wine regions, you have to explore and find the producers that hit the mark for your palate. I drink WAY more champagne now than I did even 4 years ago. Part of it is my palate shifting, but the other part is the diverse spectrum of styles available at reasonable prices that has allowed me to do lots of exploring.

23

There is a lot of really mediocre Champagne out - really bland stuff. You have to learn what is good and then what you like. Others have recommended good producers. Some I would add include Bereche, Jacquesson, And Ruinart.

24

Sorry George, I’m too busy enjoying my Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee to be buying any Champagne. Also, FWIW, I think I paid $42 for that '79 Piper Rare.
image.jpg

25

And that’s what I mean by saying you need to know styles as well as quality. I’ve tried a decent amount of Ruinart in the last 2 years on the basis of board recs. I didn’t like any of it. It’s in my Krug category now. I know other people like it I just don’t understand why.

26

Come on man that’s not fair. Bombing on PJ and Pommery is like saying Burgundy is crap because Champy’s grand crus aren’t all that grand.

I’m not all that familiar with US prices so I’m afraid I can’t give you much advice on what to buy. One thing though - you’re talking about 79 and 81 prestige cuvees. Is there any other region where you can have that level of quality+maturity at a comparable cost?

I guess I might propose Rioja, but you’re talking about white burgundy. Sure I can agree that there is some excellent value particularly from Chablis at lower price points. But if you’re out to be swooned you’re really missing the mark when you say you’re off champagne when talking about a limited budget.

One thing I will say about champagne though is that it ALWAYS needs cellaring. There’a s reason even the law in Champagne say they have to be cellared before being put on the market. The only exception is low sulfur wines such as Vouette & Sorbee. But even the most modest non vintage will improve with five years in the cellar. And you will be surprised to see how long they really can last! I’m looking forward to my sixth Pommery non vintage to be opened next weekend, the last bottle in a 40 year old case. No joke - even Pommery brut can age for 40 years in a good cellar!

27

Billecart rose nv for 42.99 at PC right now. Doesnt suck. Krug nv for 115 isnt bad either. Granted ill get them when I have grandchildren but as Frank just said they need cellaring anyway :wink:

28

this is a pretty weak troll, mark. i expect more from you.

basically just copying the beaune thread.

lame.

where are you on AAPL??

29

The more I drink wine, the more important I think it is to learn what you like, as well as what is good, and that the two are not the same, although many people think they are.

30

the 1996 Don Ruinart was a stunning wine. Stop-you-in-your-tracks good. I don’t drink much Ruinart because they are 30% more expensive than comparable wines, but I am with Howard; very good stuff

31

he’s still learning. He’s basing all his experiences on basement wine [snort.gif] [snort.gif]

32

Big houses are luxury products (some of which are delicious), but the real value are found with the smaller growers.

Nicolas Maillart
JL Vergon
Pierre Peters
Agrapart

33

Honest question: For those who have had it, what are your thoughts on '96 Fleur?
image.jpg

34

I blew through a bunch of '96 Fleur at $70 a bottle and liked it just fine. Now that Fleur is over $100 I keep my distance unless I get to taste first.

35

you drinking white wine there or champagne cause that glass of liquid looks flatter than a piece of paper.

36

Feel free to stay in Milwaukee.

George

37

Yeah, the glass is too big. There are a few bubbles at the edge. I like drinking Champagne from white wine glasses instead of flutes, but at some point you’re just reproducing the Champagne saucer.

38

I have had both the '95 and '96. They are decent, but I’d be hard pressed to call them as prestige cuvees in a single blind tasting. These two PJs came from the same exact store that I got a number of '95 LGDs from. In my opinion, the PJs can’t hold a candle to the '95 LGD, which is a wine most Berserkers believe to be second rate to Dom P.

39

Veuve Cliquot is the worst of the grand marques. Once in a while they get it right, but not often.

40

George, you should accept The Tasting Note Challenge™. It would be for a good cause.
[cheers.gif]