Sparkling

2002 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne

98 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is an exceptional wine, as is the vintage. The fruits - grapefruit, crisp red apple - balance with a fine yeasty character. There is a great depth of flavor, the fruits going in a pure line of freshness. The one problem is that it is much too young, the result of the deamnd from the market for the next vintage. Age this wine for at least four years." (12/08) 96 points and three stars from the Connoissuers' Guide to California Wine: "Its Pinot Noir portion notwithstanding, this wine has a crisp, chalky, lightly citrusy, lightly toasty aroma that is more than a little bit suggestive of an elegant Blanc de Blancs. And perhaps that is its secret. It is an incredibly refined yet deep wine whose suggestions of roasted soy and caramel are kept as complex nuances within a well-filled, refreshing, crisp set of flavors and a graceful, lengthy aftertaste. It occupies a comfortable middle ground between the quiet refinement of Dom Perignon and the bold approaches of the top Bollinger and Krug wines." (12/08) 95 points Wine & Spirits: "At first this wine seems more frivolous than serious; it's lacey and polished, a flash of spice and whipped cream-except for the tension in the finish that lasts, more powerful with each sip but no less refined. It expands on redder tones of pinot noir, with a force and stamina that defines the 2002 vintage. This should be at its best with around 15 or 20 years in the cellar."

1999 DOM PERIGNON

The 1999 Dom Perignon is a little flabbier than the 2000. Smoke, toastiness, tar and ripe fruit emerge from the glass in a generous, expansive style. The 1999 offers more body than the 2000 but the aromas and flavors are less well-articulated. This is a relatively simple Dom Perignon, yet the wine possesses outstanding balance and plenty of harmony. According to Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy the warm vintage also resulted in relatively high yields, and the low-acid style is most reminiscent of the 1976. Anticipated maturity 2009-2024.

RUINART BRUT

Ruinart Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs presents a strong whiff of graphite, then turns quickly to vanilla and coffee flavors on the palate, with a candied citrus accent. Delicate and detailed, with a firmness on the lingering aftertaste of vanilla and lemon. Drink now.
BS, Wine Spectator, Score: 92

RUINART ROSE

An animal aroma, with wild cherry and citrus notes, marks this vinous, concentrated rosé. It has power and persistence, thus is more suited to food think lobster in a cream sauce than casual sipping.