Wines and Beyond

Non-Vintage by Armand de Brignac from Champagne, France - regions. Armand de Brignac is marvelously complex and full-bodied, with a bouquet that is both fresh and lively. Its sumptuous, racy fruit character is perfectly integrated with the wine's subtle brioche accents. Its texture is deliciously creamy and the palate has great depth and impact with a long and silky finish. A superb and singular example of a Prestige Champagne. THE BLEND Armand contains a multi-vintage blend of the following grapes at these proportions: 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Menuier. THE BOTTLE 2006 marks the unveiling of Armand de Brignac in the stunning gold bottle originally developed by Cattier for the Andre Courreges fashion house. Cattier's gold bottle also made an appearance at Queen Elizabeth II of England's Golden Jubilee celebration. All labels for each bottle of Armand de Brignac are made of real pewter, polished and applied by hand. Each bottle is packaged in a black embroidered velvet bag, which completes a package that speaks to the quality of the Armand de Brignac Champagne and the care taken with each step of its realization.

Non-Vintage by Krug from Champagne, France - regions. Krug Grande Cuvee is as a symphony, a composition where the instruments all play together, complementing each other in total harmony. -Henri Krug. The flagship of the house, Grande Cuvee is imposing in character from the first moment in the glass. The birth of Krug Grande Cuvee, through its first fermentation exclusively in small oak casks, ensures the unique personality and dimension that is the Krug Style. The composition of the cuvee is a stunning mosaic of flavors where the three champagne grapes, 20-25 growths and 6-10 different years, combine to give Krug Grande Cuvee its complexity, elegance and consistency year after year, blend after blend. To maintain this consistency, Krug reserves a large selection of unblended still wines from previous vintages blending them with the youngest crop to create a fully balanced taste. These reserve wines may represent between a third and a half of the cuvee. The bouquet is wonderfully creamy, leading to magical combination of weight and balance on the palate. The long, lingering finish is both nutty and toasty, ending with a final flourish of freshness, leaving one longing for more.

Non-Vintage by Laurent-Perrier from Champagne, France - regions. In the 17th Century, during the reign of Louis XIV, France enjoyed its most illustrious era. Louis XIV became known as the Sun King for his benevolence and his patronage of the Arts, which became the foundation of France's rich artistic heritage. At the Palace of Versailles Louis XIV was the first French King to drink Champagne. Louis XIV's era became known as the Grand Siecle - the Great Century. Bottled in a replica of a 17th Century bottle evoking the radiance of that period, Laurent-Perrier's prestige cuvees embody luxury, magnificence and elegance fit for a king. When it came to his prestige cuvee, Bernard de Nonancourt decided to highlight two of Champagne's traditional realms of proficiency: the blending of different crus and different vintages. Grand Siecle is the epitome of Champagne cuvees, as it blends complementary wines from Laurent-Perrier's very best growths and most successful vintage years. Grand Siecle is made with a pinot noir and chardonnay blend, with the latter being slightly dominant. Twelve of the most prestigious villages supply these grapes; all of them classified at 100% Grands Crus such as Ambonnay, Verzenay, Mailly, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Within the vineyards of these villages, only the very best plots are selected, as are the finest musts from the pressings. The blended wine is then aged during the second fermentation on the yeast for approximately five years. It has a bright color, with a brilliant yellow hue. Its subtle aromas of honey, hazelnuts, grilled almonds and brioche, make this the perfect companion for refined dishes. It pairs just as well with poultry and truffles as it does with veal and morel mushrooms.

Non-Vintage by Laurent-Perrier from Champagne, France. In the 17th Century, during the reign of Louis XIV, France enjoyed its most illustrious era. Louis XIV became known as the Sun King for his benevolence and his patronage of the Arts, which became the foundation of France's rich artistic heritage. At the Palace of Versailles Louis XIV was the first French King to drink Champagne. Louis XIV's era became known as the Grand Siecle - the Great Century. Bottled in a replica of a 17th Century bottle evoking the radiance of that period, Laurent-Perrier's prestige cuvees embody luxury, magnificence and elegance fit for a king. When it came to his prestige cuvee, Bernard de Nonancourt decided to highlight two of Champagne's traditional realms of proficiency: the blending of different crus and different vintages. Grand Siecle is the epitome of Champagne cuvees, as it blends complementary wines from Laurent-Perrier's very best growths and most successful vintage years. Grand Siecle is made with a pinot noir and chardonnay blend, with the latter being slightly dominant. Twelve of the most prestigious villages supply these grapes; all of them classified at 100% Grands Crus such as Ambonnay, Verzenay, Mailly, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Within the vineyards of these villages, only the very best plots are selected, as are the finest musts from the pressings. The blended wine is then aged during the second fermentation on the yeast for approximately five years. It has a bright color, with a brilliant yellow hue. Its subtle aromas of honey, hazelnuts, grilled almonds and brioche, make this the perfect companion for refined dishes. It pairs just as well with poultry and truffles as it does with veal and morel mushrooms.

Non-Vintage by Ruinart from Champagne, France - regions. The wine is a brilliant orange-yellow rose petal colour with a very fine, profuse and sustained mousse. The nose is characterized by small red berries, mainly currant. On the palate the wine is vigorous and well balanced. A fine, fresh, fruity wine with well-integrated tannins and a hint of spice on the lengthy finish. Ruinart Rose is produced from a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from the best of recent vintages. All of the fruit is from premiers crus vineyards. Grapes from the estate vineyards in Sillery and Brimont (ancestral home of the Ruinart family) are joined by carefully selected grapes from other premiers crus vineyards in the Cote de Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The grapes for Ruinart are selected basket by basket at the source, and only the finest premiers crus are used.

Non-Vintage by Mumm from Champagne, France - regions. Mumm de Cramant is a precious cuvee made in the purest Champagne tradition since 1882. A single cru cuvee of incomparable purity, blended in the time-honored tradition with a strict selection of 100% Chardonnay Cramant wines. Truly a great Champagne to grace any occasion.

Non-Vintage by Veuve Clicquot from Champagne, France - regions. Demi-Sec is blended largely from Pinot Noir with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier as well as reserve wines. The liqueur d'expedition (carefully prepared and dosed with 45 g per litre by our oenologists) gives it a sweeter yet still very fresh harmony. Demi-Sec is at its best when served with desserts. You could even serve it in a carafe, not to decant it but to admire the colour and the delicate bubbles of this elegant wine.

Non-Vintage by Gosset from Champagne, France - regions. Gosset Grande Reserve is a truly faithful expression of the Gosset style. To achieve a cuvee of this quality, the cellar-master has blended the best of the various champagne crus at the grape- harvest with wines specially chosen from our reserve stocks for their richness and maturity. Powerful and aromatic, this champagne is ideal for serving as an aperitif or to accompany a very special meal.

Non-Vintage by Taittinger from Champagne, France - regions. This Champagne is a blend of some 30 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards, respectively 40% and 60% of the total, from several harvests of perfectly ripened grapes. Crisp aromas of green apple, wheat and minerals. Fresh, creamy flavors of apple and toasted bread with hints of red fruit. Classy finish. -Wine News

Non-Vintage by Henriot from Champagne, France - regions. A beautiful gold colour. The bubbles are persistent, fine and regular. The nose is pleasant, made very elegant by the large amount of Chardonnay. The Brut Souverain is sharp, well balanced and harmonious on the palate. There is just a suggestion of color.... It's very sensuous, and the wine bursts immediately into a complex play of scents. Dusty pollen, fresh-cut flowers and sweet fruits mingle invitingly, leading you into flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and spice. Big and polished, this sensual feast of a wine delivers an extra dimension of flavor, power and length. ~ The Wine Enthusiast

Non-Vintage by Perrier Jouet from Champagne, France - regions. Fresh and lively with spiraling bubbles, delicate bouquet, and a subtle complex flavors. Serve for all occasions, hors d'oeuvres, caviar, seafood dishes with light elegant sauces, or smoked salmon.

Non-Vintage by Delamotte from Champagne, France - regions. The Delamotte Brut is a fine wine that is powerful but not aggressive, with an agreeable freshness, supple roundness on the palate and a clean and fruity finish. Pleasant, well-balanced, with a light golden color, this wine is mature and ready to drink immediately. The bouquet has a hint of citrus, white flowers and lemon peel. The Brut is delicious as an aperitif, and equally delightful with a fruit dessert.

Non-Vintage by Bollinger from Champagne, France - regions. The denomination Special Cuvee was created in 1911. The idea came from William Folks, then partner of the illustrious London House of Mentzendorff. This great wine lover felt it was an insult to simply call this great wine non vintage. The suggestion of naming it Special Cuvee was immediately approved by Monsieur Bollinger. A blend par excellence, the Special Cuvee is the purest expression of the Bollinger style; of its craftsmanship and its singular conception of what a champagne should be. It is, therefore, on this wine that the House of Bollinger shows how it is different from other Champagne Houses, asserts its qualitative policy and by which it asks to be judged.

Non-Vintage by Veuve Clicquot from Champagne, France. Champagne Veuve Clicquot is offering a bubbly twist to entertaining with the stylish new Clicquot Ice Jacket - an innovative neoprene bottle diving suit that's portable and impeccably chic. The Champagne Veuve Clicquot Ice Jacket is an ideal accessory for an intimate gathering or a grand party where a chilled bottle of champagne not only sets the scene but also, does it in style. Fashionably adorned in classic Clicquot Yellow, the tight-fitting Ice Jacket showsoff top stitch seams, attractive leather trimmings and sensuously reveals the bottle's elegant curves. The tailored insulated cooler bag is soft, light and durable and wraps around the Champagne Veuve Clicquot bottle snuggly with a secure side zipper and a handsome neck-strap. Slip the pre-chilled champagne bottle into the Ice Jacket and anytime, anywhere, enjoy the sophisticated flavor of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label. In the Ice Jacket, the bottle will retain an ideal temperature for two hours, preserving the champagne's aroma, finesse and rounded fruit forward appeal. Versatile elegance at its best and true to Madame Clicquot's motto, 'only one quality- the finest,' the Veuve Clicquot Ice Jacket delivers practicality and freshness with a twist, combining the couture-inspired art of living with the art of tasting.

Non-Vintage by Moet & Chandon from Champagne, France - regions. CHARACTERISTICS Nectar Imperial is the outcome of a special assemblage of the three grape varieties built around the structure of the Pinot Noir. It was designed to preserve the fresh taste of champagne while offering a subtle sweetness. COMPONENTS Approximately 200 individual crus make up this cuvee. The traditional proportions for Nectar Imperial are: 50-60% Pinot Noir 20-30% Pinot Meunier 10% Chardonnay 10-20% vins de reserve COLOR Deep golden AROMA Rich expression of ripe exotic fruits with hints of honey STYLE Strong fruitiness with a smooth finish.

Non-Vintage by Mumm from Champagne, France - regions. Located in Reims, France, Champagne Mumm is a grande marque whose reputation has been built over the past 175 years by providing connoisseurs with Champagnes of distinction and elegance. Especially prepared to meet American demand, Mumm first released a demi-sec Champagne in 1888. Today, the celebrated Champagne House creates a new demi-sec named Joyesse which means To exist in joy and is intended to provide a transcending experience. Crafted by dynamic young Winemaker Dominique Demarville, each glass of Joyesse is infused with Mumm's long-standing passion for terroir, advanced winemaking techniques and a meticulous approach to blending. The cuvee is a blend of 50% Pinot Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, of which one quarter are reserve wines. Pinot Meunier from Vallee de la Marne impart a fruitiness while the addition of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, as well as the reserve wines, contribute a pleasing complexity. At disgorgement, a special liqueur d' expedition of aged wines is infused with 44 grams of sugar per liter to add further complexity, smoothness and richness. Joyesse opens with layers of smooth, honeyed, well-rounded flavors of ripe white pears, juicy plums, yellow peaches, finishing with candied ruby grapefruit. Joyesse can be enjoyed with a spicy Indian or Thai dish or with dessert such as a peach cobbler, apple tarte Tatin or a berry tartlet.

Non-Vintage by J from Sonoma County, California. Elegance is the word to describe the J Brut. The initial aromas are slightly floral with apple, high notes of citrus, and a light dusting of yeast autolysis character. The flavor profile is broad and medium-bodied, a core of fruit flavors enveloped by delicate yeast character. The wines medium acidity serves to marry all the components into a seamless experience, ending long and clean.

Non-Vintage by Pommery from Champagne, France - regions. Impertinent and deliberately out of step, POP is a champagne with a determined commitment to the future - designed for lovers of beauty and non-conformity who are looking for new sensations. POP, is the sound of the cork leaving the bottle, conjuring up the spontaneous high spirits of party-time.

Non-Vintage by Laurent-Perrier from Champagne, France. This truly unique Champagne is made without the addition of any sugar (dosage). In the 19th Century, Laurent-Perrier was well known for our Grand Vin sans Sucre and is now one of the last Champagne houses to still produce a Champagne of this type. The grapes selected for this wine have a natural acid/sugar balance, so even when fermented to complete dryness no dosage is required. The wine ages on its lees for at least four years and upon disgorging is topped off with wine from the same cuvee. No sugar whatsoever is added to Laurent-Perrier Ultra-Brut at any time. An incredibly versatile Champagne, L-P Ultra-Brut matches well with everything from fresh goat cheese to sushi. The classic and unparalleled food pairing is with oysters. Appearance: Lipid, bright yellow with a fine bead. Nose: Intense and forward, with citrus and honeysuckle notes and a unique mineral component, oftentimes likened to a fresh sea breeze. Taste: Surprising depth and power with a purity and concentration of flavor all its own. Amazingly well balanced and absolutely bone dry. 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir

Non-Vintage by Louis Roederer from Champagne, France - regions. Louis Roederer has been synonymous with the world's great Champagnes since 1776. Brut Premier is the House's flagship multi-vintage Champagne and its most popular and best-selling wine. It's the Champagne that sets the house style for this esteemed producer.

Non-Vintage by Bellavista from Italian, Italy. This is a brilliant wine from winemaker Mattia Bezzola. The reference point for brilliantly pure, elegant, Italian sparkling wine, this offering can stand up to the finest Champagnes. This prestigious estate, created in the seventies by proprietor Vittorio Moretti, continues to fashion a bevy of dazzling sparklers. -Wine Advocate Of all the Bellavista wines, Brut Cuvee best represents the characteristic qualities of Franciacorta. Its balance derives from the blending of at least thirty selections. The addition of some older wines, with their distinctive perfumes and flavours, confers consistency to the taste, plus roundness and finesse. The grapes used are 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero. The mousse is white, lively and persistent, the bubbles small and long-lasting. The colour is light yellow with hints of green. The perfume is full, inviting, rich in ripe fruits, chlorophyll and vanilla; these perfumes are fully reflected in the taste, and are echoed in the aftertaste.

Non-Vintage by Moet & Chandon from Champagne, France - regions. White Star is a balanced blend of three wine varieties, revealing a harmonious succession of sensations, a soft maturity, and elegant lines. Soft and mature aroma of white fruits, like peaches and pears, and hints of nuts.

Non-Vintage by Veuve Clicquot from Champagne, France - regions. Number 25 on the Wine.com 100 of 2007! Clicquot's signature non-vintage Brut is loved all over the world for its crisp, full flavors, consistent quality and celebratory yellow label. This classical dry Champagne is a blend of two-thirds black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) for body, balanced with one-third Chardonnay for elegance. It has a fine persistent sparkle and golden Champagne color.

Non-Vintage by Charles Heidsieck from Champagne, France - regions. Experience a fully developed wine, with a radiant bouquet that is captivating yet subtle. Although notes of fully ripe fruit, such as nectarines and cherry plums, are apparent initially, the finish reveals the wealth of the gourmet world, hinting at nougat, honey and cereal grains. This wine is remarkably smooth and generous on the palate. Three years of maturation have given it body and substance. As the wine opens up, it is full and intense with notes of warm bread blending harmoniously with discreet notes of ginger and coriander. The grapes used to produce this exquisite testament to winemaking are selected from the top crus in the Champagne region. 34% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Meunier. An attractive bouquet of cooked peaches, charred oak and minerals. A well-toasted triad of tropical fruit flavors including grilled pineapple, baked apple and peach. Lengthy, honeyed finish with the perfect amount of toast. -Wine News

Non-Vintage by Deutz from Champagne, France - regions. The distinctive house style of elegance and finesse which has made Champagne Deutz one of the most respected of all Champagne houses, is reflected in this fine non-vintage Champagne. Matured according to traditional methods from a blend of several vintages from twenty of the best crus of Champagne, it reaches a perfect balance of flavor. ...great flavors of grapefruit, some lemon peel and a vibrant white fruit character. It is dry, with the clean, fresh acidity going right through to the finish.-Wine Enthusiast

Non-Vintage by Gosset from Champagne, France - regions. Aromas of pear and honeysuckle perfume the bouquet. This is a beautifully balanced champagne with a long, expressive finish. Gosset only uses juice from the first and best pressing of grapes, and unlike most other producers, initial fermentation is still carried out in small oak barrels. Riddling and disgorgement are performed by hand. Significantly, and in contrast to virtually all other houses, Gosset Champagnes do not undergo a malolactic fermentation, resulting in a heightened acidity, slower maturing wines and that inimitable Gosset style - powerful and full-bodied, of unrivaled richness and staying power - in other words, some of the world's most legendary Champagne.

Non-Vintage by Mumm from Champagne, France - regions. A long aging provides additional flavors of vanilla, roasted nuts and a hint of toast. A result of the carefully chosen infusion of terroir and reserve wines, the finish is long. Imparting to the finish is lightness from Chardonnay, fruitiness from Pinot Noir and roundness provided by Pinot Meunier. A toasty version, rich and creamy, with vanilla, hazelnut and citrus notes weaving through the rich texture...-Wine Spectator