I look forward to this event every year. In preparation for the holidays, K&L puts together an impressive line-up of Champagne for its annual tasting, and this year was no exception. The attendance was slightly lower than previous years, which worked to my advantage, as it allowed me to re-visit many if not most of the wines. My favorite wines were the 1996 Henriot Enchanteleurs, 1998 Grand Dame, 2002 Dom Perignon, and the MV Krug, although my favorite wine of the tasting ended up being the Henriot – a fantastic wine from a fantastic vintage!
K&L HOLLYWOOD CHAMPAGNE EVENT - Hollywood, CA (10/23/2010)
-
2002 Ariston Aspasie Champagne Brut Millésimé - France, Champagne
It was better than the Armand de Brignac “Ace of Spades,” if that means anything. (88 pts.) -
N.V. Armand de Brignac Champagne Ace of Spades - France, Champagne, Montagne de Reims, Champagne
I sort of think this wine is a fraud. Nothing really special about it. Decent bubbly in a gaudy package. Not even close to being worth the price. (87 pts.) -
1996 Baron-Fuenté Champagne Grand Millésime Brut - France, Champagne
This had a dense tangy lemon oil quality to it that I liked very much. 90-91 points. (90 pts.) -
N.V. Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Rosé - France, Champagne
As good as always, and just slightly edging out the Billiot Rose. 90-91 points. (90 pts.) -
N.V. H. Billiot Fils Champagne Brut Réserve - France, Champagne, Ambonnay, Champagne
Outstanding showing of this wine. Lush pinot character with a vivacious acidity. (91 pts.) -
N.V. H. Billiot Fils Champagne Brut Rosé Grand Cru - France, Champagne, Ambonnay, Champagne
Bright red berries with a touch of fresh herbs and good acidity. (90 pts.) -
2000 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année - France, Champagne
Not bad, but just not as impressive as other wines at this price point. 88-89 points. (88 pts.) -
2000 Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve - France, Champagne
I wasn’t expecting much from this Champagne but I was pleasantly surprised. Excellent fruit character, rich on the midpalate, with a mineral-laden finish. (91 pts.) -
N.V. Deutz Champagne Brut Classic - France, Champagne
Perhaps it unfair to judge this one as I tasted it right after the Cristal, but it came across as rather pedestrian to me. (86 pts.) -
2005 Elisabeth Goutorbe Champagne Brut - France, Champagne, Aÿ, Champagne
Has a very fine lacey quality to it. Same fruit as Henri Goutorbe but just a diffeent importer. 90-91 points. (90 pts.) -
1998 Henriot Champagne Brut Millésimé - France, Champagne
Not a bad showing of this wine; it just got eclipsed by some of the other bottles. Finished a bit short though. (88 pts.) -
1996 Henriot Champagne Cuvée des Enchanteleurs Brut - France, Champagne
An outstanding showing of this wine and probably my wine of the tasting. Regal fruit with a long tangy finish and excellent structure. (94 pts.) -
N.V. Krug Champagne Grande Cuvée Brut - France, Champagne
One bottle seemed to show more oak than another but with air this wine displays classic oxidative notes against a steely structure. 92-93 points. (92 pts.) -
2002 Launois Pere et Fils Champagne Special Club - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne
Pedestrian for the vintage. (85 pts.) -
2002 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut - France, Champagne
Tasting quite well although admittedly not as well as upon release. Seems to me it might be shutting down or tightening up a bit. (90 pts.) -
2002 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Perignon Andy Warhol Label - France, Champagne
A bit shy and tightly wound but with air this wine reveals excellent fruit and a refined structure. 92-93 points. (92 pts.) -
1998 Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut Cuvée Palmes d’Or - France, Champagne
Good richness and depth with a note of baked apple tart. 90-91 points. (90 pts.) -
2004 Philippe Gonet Champagne Blanc de Blancs “Cuvee Belemnita” - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne
Quite nice! (89 pts.) -
1999 Pommery Champagne Cuvée Louise Brut - France, Champagne
Didn’t write any notes on this one, other than the score. (91 pts.) -
1998 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne Brut La Grande Dame - France, Champagne
This wine has improved since the last time I tried it. It has become a bit more honeyed and rounder with outstanding depth and richness. (93 pts.)
![[welldone.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/f/fc9709a841aa9379fd892a9cf0b535b05f473b86.gif "[welldone.gif]"){kind=small}