Wines and Beyond

Vintage by Veuve Clicquot from Champagne, France - regions. A luminous, deep gold/red and a persistent, fine mousse. The rich, intense nose displays notes of dried fruits (black figs, dates) and mild spices (vanilla) in harmony with a softer, almost creamy base. On the palate the texture is deep, dense and tightly woven. The structure of the pinot noir is perfectly rounded. Gracious notes of black cherries and raspberries dominate the finish. The exceptional flavor and taste of this truly great Champagne make it a magnificent accompaniment to fine cuisine, or it can be enjoyed as an aperitif for its own superb merits. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VINTAGE: 1995 began with a mild winter and budburst occurred during the second week of April. After a short cold spell, the flowering was ecellent, due to hot, almost summer-like weather. Ripening was very raped and picking began on September 21st. This is a vintage that will age very well. Components: Exclusively from the 8 Grand crus vineyards purchased by Madame Clicquot in the 19th century. 37.5% Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs (Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger) 62.5% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and Grand Vallee de la Marne (Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Bouzy, A?) 15% still Pinot Noir (Bouzy)

Vintage by Salon from Champagne, France - regions. Wouldn't it be lovely if we could drink Salon Le Mesnil every day? This is an incredibly beautiful, sophisticated, lavishly appointed bubbly with an exquisite blend of aged yeast notes smelling of lightly toasted brioche layered atop scents of vanilla, Meyer lemon, chalk and minerals all in the most seamless and creamy of fashions. Its mousse is smooth but energetic and comes with appropriately pinpoint-sized bubbles. Sporting all the finesse that Blanc de Blancs can manage yet rewardingly deep and rich in flavor, this wine is easily the most impressive bottling in this go-round of world-class bubblies. -Connoisseurs' Guide The 1996 Salon is a pale yellow color with a touch of green. It is clear and lively, with fine, persistent bubbles and a stunning bouquet. Initially, the nose offers hints of green apple, which soon develop into lemon and grapefruit combined with pear and kiwi notes. The wine is complex and refreshing on the palate, displaying a burst of minerality. This is a well-made, rich, powerful Champagne, all-encompassing yet subtle, with contained strength. Serving Suggestions According to Didier Depond, Salon should be served in a tulip-shaped glass instead of a traditional champagne flute. Because of the richness and complexity of its aromas, and its exceptional, lingering finish, we've found that Salon can be drunk in the same way as a great wine. This style of glass allows the wine to breathe more efficiently. Vineyard Profile Salon uses only grapes from severely pruned vines that are at least 40-years-old and grown on mid-slopes. All of the fruit is picked and sorted by hand. Winemaking Pressing is carried out with a traditional press used solely for Salon. Only the cuvee, or first pressing, is used for its wine. The cuvee is the lightest, purest and ripest juice that contains the highest amount of acid. The first fermentation occurs in a stainless steel tank, where the temperature is cont

Vintage by Perrier Jouet from Champagne, France - regions. Only a couple of countries (the U.S. being one) are lucky enough to get this new offering from the folks of the Maison Belle Epoque. It is a rare treat, making it quite a pricey Champagne. But in Vintage years, you will get 100% Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs-specifically from the village of Cramant. Among the best, there is no doubt that you will experience a sublime wine when you pop this one open.

Vintage by Pol Roger from Champagne, France. The Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill was created as a tribute to the great man, as he was a close friend of the Pol-Roger family and long time consumer of the champagne. The Cuvee is consistently made in the style he preferred: robust, full-bodied, relatively mature and dominated by Pinot Noir which contributes firmness and backbone complemented by the ethereal elegance of Chardonnay. The Cuvee is composed of the only the finest grapes from the very best vineyards (and only those from within the Champagne area under vine in Sir Winstons day), chosen for declaration in only the best vintage years. Bright gold with a lively mousse Deep, pungent nose features powerful scents of minerals, saffron, pear, lilac, buttered apple, pear, white peach and marzipan. Broad and improbably concentrated, the pear and apple flavors packing a huge punch and complicated by buttery, leesy tones. As rich and supple as this is, it also boasts brilliant cut. Finishes with expansive, exotic spice and pear notes, and superb focus and length. This spent nine years on its lees. Already delicious but I'd opt for holding this one for another decade before popping the cork. -IWC

Vintage by Veuve Clicquot from Champagne, France - regions. Blend: 64% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay La Grande Dame 1998 has a pale gold color with jade glints. The wine is crystal clear, with unbelievably fine bubbles. On the first nose, typical Chardonnay characteristics come to the fore, with the arrival of floral and mineral aromas (acacia, ferns, chalk). By agitating the wine, scents of candied fruit (citrus fruits, apricots, quince) and sweet almond emerge, to reappear later in the mouth. After rotating the wine for a few minutes more, rare notes such as peaty malt, tobacco and delicate herbs, are gradually unveiled. This aromatic, impressively complex bouquet is confirmed in the mouth. On the palate, the wine is clear-cut and pure, perfectly balanced with a delightful silky smoothness. La Grande Dame 1998, with its lace-like construction, has a long, lively, and structured finish. This wine has unbelievable aging potential. The 1998 vintage of La Grande Dame, the quintessence of the Veuve Clicquot style, reaches a peak of refinement, without losing its legendary strength produced by a blend including nearly two-thirds of Pinot Noir. The contrast of depth and brightness, or intensity and weightlessness creates a sense of harmonic resonance in this wine. All the aromatics are potent, from the scent of rising bread dough to the red skin of an apple, all the corresponding flavors rich yet refreshing. The firmness of the acidity seems to add briskness to the mousse, leaving a clean, chiseled impression of the chalk soils in which this grew. Once in a while, there is a young beauty who will age into a more profound older beauty; La Grande Dame is part of that rare breed. -Wines & Spirits

Vintage by Dom Perignon from Champagne, France - regions. The commitment of Dom Perignon is a commitment to creation. It's a quest for excellence; it is about taking risk, taking a challenge from the vintage, making it to the style of Dom Perignon. Every single vintage of Dom Perignon is an exclusive wine; it is the harmonious dialogue of style and vintage. Dom Perignon Vintage 1999 goes straight to the heart of Dom Perignon. This wine is radiant, pure and vibrant. It is a story of seduction and sensuality. The 1999 Harvest: Changeable, often unexpected, weather. Average temperatures were high and a very dry period gave way to almost tropical conditions in late summer, with strong winds and frequent hailstorms. The rainfall during harvesting did not affect this healthy and abundant crop with an exceptionally powerful and well-rounded character. On The Nose: This wine is full of life, with a fresh nose that dances through a spiral of aromas, blending hints of angelica, dried flowers, pineapple, coconut, cinnamon, cocoa and tobacco. In The Mouth: With a fullness in the mouth, its earthy, smoky, pearly complexity rises to the surface, underscored by the vibrant warmth of peppery spice. The sensation of intensity develops and melts into a deep, rounded heart, with a fruity, exotic maturity and a slight touch of aniseed. This sensation, almost unsettling, is even more pronounced in the finish, while the notes of spice, still present, remain discreet, with toasted, iodine flavors. 96 points Robert Parker in the Hedonist's Gazette: I was fortunate to have the newly released 1999 Dom Perignon, which is a spectacular Champagne. Based on one bottle, I would not rate it as highly as the 1996 or 1990, but it is much better than the 1998, and appears to have more body and richness than the 1995, also a top-notch vintage. The 1999 should have at least 20 years of life ahead of it.

Vintage by Dom Perignon from Champagne, France - regions. The commitment of Dom Perignon is a commitment to creation. It's a quest for excellence; it is about taking risk, taking a challenge from the vintage, making it to the style of Dom Perignon. Every single vintage of Dom Perignon is an exclusive wine; it is the harmonious dialogue of style and vintage. Dom Perignon Vintage 1999 goes straight to the heart of Dom Perignon. This wine is radiant, pure and vibrant. It is a story of seduction and sensuality. The 1999 Harvest: Changeable, often unexpected, weather. Average temperatures were high and a very dry period gave way to almost tropical conditions in late summer, with strong winds and frequent hailstorms. The rainfall during harvesting did not affect this healthy and abundant crop with an exceptionally powerful and well-rounded character. On The Nose: This wine is full of life, with a fresh nose that dances through a spiral of aromas, blending hints of angelica, dried flowers, pineapple, coconut, cinnamon, cocoa and tobacco. In The Mouth: With a fullness in the mouth, its earthy, smoky, pearly complexity rises to the surface, underscored by the vibrant warmth of peppery spice. The sensation of intensity develops and melts into a deep, rounded heart, with a fruity, exotic maturity and a slight touch of aniseed. This sensation, almost unsettling, is even more pronounced in the finish, while the notes of spice, still present, remain discreet, with toasted, iodine flavors. p> 96 points Robert Parker in the Hedonist's Gazette: I was fortunate to have the newly released 1999 Dom Perignon, which is a spectacular Champagne. Based on one bottle, I would not rate it as highly as the 1996 or 1990, but it is much better than the 1998, and appears to have more body and richness than the 1995, also a top-notch vintage. The 1999 should have at least 20 years of life ahead of it.

Vintage by Bollinger from Champagne, France - regions. The grapes come exclusively from Grands and Premiers Crus. 17 villages have entered in the 1999 blend, 82% from Grands Crus and 18% from Premiers Crus. The blend of La Grande Annee 1999 is composed of 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay. La Grande Annee is the Prestige Cuvee of Champagne Bollinger. It is only produced when exceptional quality harvests occur, and is the expression of Bollinger's know-how. More than the illustration of the vintage particularity, La Grande Annee is the result of the Bollinger style, of its exceptional terroir and traditional wine making techniques. La Grande Annee develops a beautiful rounded structure and combines rich, complex and intense aromas, the expression of which changes according to the characteristics of the vintage.

Vintage by Perrier Jouet from Champagne, France - regions. Perrier Jou?t launched its famous flower bottle in 1969, with an arabesque design of anemones. Since then, it has been one of the world's most celebrated Champagnes - light bodied and distinctive. Aromas of fresh pineapple and white florals warm into complex scents of pear. The bead is intense and effervescent.

Vintage by Charles Heidsieck from Champagne, France - regions. This exceptional Blanc de Blancs is one of the most celebrated champagnes in the world. Made with five of the best growths from the Cote des Blancs -- Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Vertus, Cramant and Avize. This exquisite wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, only produced in small quantities in years of exceptional quality. On the Eye: Silvery with a delicate shimmer. On the Nose: Elegant notes of fresh bark lead to spices and macerated fruits. On the Palate: Charming, smooth and serene. Dry, slightly candied finish with fleshy notes of marrons glaces. The Blanc des Millenaires is 100% Chardonnay and offers a beautiful, stately expression of this grape. It's very refined in texture and complex, revealing honey, coffee, citrus confit and ginger notes enmeshed in the supple, finely grained texture. It's firm, yet perfectly integrated with the other elements. -Wine Spectator

Vintage by Delamotte from Champagne, France - regions. The 1999 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs is a pale yellow color with green reflects. The nose is herbal with hints of jasmine, white peach, mint, pear. On the palate, the wine is very fresh, well-balanced, straight and pure. It is the perfect companion to shellfish, crayfish carpaccio, sushi and all white fish.

Vintage by Schramsberg from California. The 1999 J. Schram opens with aromas of glazed pineapple, orange marmalade and crisp green apples. Just-baked puff pastry and rich creamy notes are derived from barrel fermentation (38%) and yeast aging. This powerful wine showcases the bright citrus and tangy, tropical fruit of the Tognetti, Hyde and Schwarze Chardonnay Vineyards in southern Napa in the Carneros region. The addition of 24% Pinot Noir lends subtle red fruit aromas and gives breadth to both the nose and palate. A creamy yet refreshing wine, with a long, seamless finish. - Winemaker Hugh Davies

Vintage by Schramsberg from California. J. Schram epitomizes Schramsberg's philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. Representing only 3% of the winery's annual production, the Chardonnay-focused J. Schram blend is assembled from the top 10-15 lots of the approximately 200 produced each year. This special bottling is dedicated to Schramsberg's founder of 1862, Jacob Schram, and has been a great success since its premier 1987 vintage was released in 1992. Blend: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir The 2000 J. Schram exhibits aromas of pineapple with melon and apple cider along with citrus notes of orange peel and lemon custard. Rich, creamy notes of creme brulee, fresh baked baguette and toasted nuts are derived from barrel fermentation and nearly 6 years of yeast aging. This voluptuous sparkling wine showcases the bright citrus and tangy, tropical fruit of the Tognetti and Schwartz Chardonnay vineyards along Bayview Avenure in southern Napa-Carneros. The addition of 20% Pinot Noir lends subtle red fruit aromas and gives breadth to both the nose and palate. A creamy yet refreshing wine, the 2000 J. Schram has a long, quenching, seamless finish. - Winemakers Hugh Davies and Craig Roemer J. Schram is quite appealing on its own as an aperitif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar, smoked salmon, tangy cheeses, seafood brochettes and risotto with prosciutto.

Vintage by Taittinger from Champagne, France - regions. Pale gold in color, with delicate strands of pinpoint bubbles, Taittinger Brut Millesime shows the elegance of the house style while expressing the individual character of its vintage year. The fragrant white fruit and berry nose is offset by nuances of toast and minerals which carry onto the crisp, full palate. Delicately structured yet generous fruit flavors, clearly marked by Chardonnay, are balanced by a clean, refined acidity culminating in a fresh, persistent finish.

Vintage by Henriot from Champagne, France - regions. Brightly coloured with green tints. Fine, persistent bubbles. Rich and fresh on the nose. White fruit and flowers evolving towards mineral, spicy notes. Remarkably balanced on the palate. The attack is fresh and remarkably well balanced with a silky texture. Very pure and fine. This wine will be excellent as an aperitif and could also accompany refined fish dishes. Attractive aromas of cinnamon and apple butter. Lush and quite creamy with butterscotch, caramel and taffy apple flavors. Excellent length with a mix of toasted oak and brown spices. Drinking nicely right now. -Wine News

Vintage by Pol Roger from Champagne, France. Pol Roger, one of a few luxury Champagne firms still family-owned, was established in Epernay in 1849. Pol Roger owns 200 acres of vineyards, which provide about 45% of their needs. Pol Roger's cellars extend over four miles of winding chalk passageways on two levels. The second or deeper cellar maintains a constant 9.5? C (50? F), one degree lower than the first level and most others in the region. This lower temperature slows the second fermentation, encouraging a finer mousse or bubbles. Pol Roger Champagne also spends two to three times the allowable minimum in the cellar before disgorgement, or about three years for the non-vintage and up to seven for the luxury cuvees. The long, slow maturation contributes greatly to the complex aromas, which distinguish these superb Champagnes. The Vintage Brut follows the traditional formula for Pol Roger Vintage, being composed of about 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay drawn from 18 Grands and Premiers Crus. As always, the Pinot Noir contributes the intensity, backbone, tannins and body while the Chardonnay provides the fragrance, elegance, finesse essential to a perfect balance. Vintage Brut is only produced in declared vintage years.

Vintage by Piper Heidsieck from Champagne, France - regions. A luminous, golden celadon color. Fine bubbles for a gentle effervescence. Light mineral impressions are followed by subtle floral notes of fern and wild rose which leads to delicately fruity aromas of dry apricot and sultana raisins. This attractive mature wine reveals its elegant charm with a bouquet of sweet nougat, milk caramel and mint. The attack is fresh and youthful and is rapidly followed by a sensation of fullness. Notes of Mediterranean dried fruit, such as fig, are intertwined with elegant touches of Virginia tobacco and leather. The wine has a refreshing finish with a smooth hint of milky tea flavored with bergamot.

Vintage by Deutz from Champagne, France - regions. Made exclusively from Pinot Noir, 80% of these grapes come from the Montagne de Reims area, and the remaining 20% come from the Marne Valley. The specific style and color is obtained by the addition of 9% of red wine, whose Pinot Noir grapes come from two plots on the A? hillside called La Cote and Meurtet, both that have perfect exposure. After 4 years aging in the Deutz cellars, its aromas have perfectly blended, and the Brut Rose has a very subtle nose and a palate that shows remarkable power.

Vintage by Henriot from Champagne, France - regions. Racy, elegant and harmonious from start to finish. Candied citrus, honey and hazelnut flavors play out on a silky texture, and all is backed by a firm but unobtrusive structure. Lovely expression of the vintage. Drink now through 2010. -Wine Spectator Highly Recommended Brightly coloured with green tints. Fine, persistent bubbles. Rich and fresh on the nose. White fruit and flowers evolving towards mineral, spicy notes. Remarkably balanced on the palate. The attack is fresh and remarkably well balanced with a silky texture. Very pure and fine. This wine will be excellent as an aperitif and could also accompany refined fish dishes.

Vintage by Laurent-Perrier from Champagne, France - regions. This is sumptuous and delicate, offering peach, beeswax and ginger notes. Firmly structured, with a chalklike sensation underneath that emerges on the finish. Drink now through 2015. Wine Spectator 90 Points

Vintage by Nicolas Feuillatte from Champagne, France - regions. The cuvees of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte are blended from wines grown in more than 500 hectares of exclusively Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards located throughout Champagne. Each vineyard and each varietal Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier is vinified separately to allow absolute precision in the final blends of each Champagne. There is a minimum aging of 3 years. Respecting grape varieties, the Cuvee Speciale Brut Vintage 1999 emphasises the delicacy of the Chardonnay which accounts for 60% of the blend. The right proportion of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier give it balance and homogeneity. Pale gold color, generous effervescence. The first notes of citrus fruit (lemon and grapefruit) mixed with floral aromas of may blossom and physalis make the first nose tonic and fresh. Then, in turn, honey, gingerbread and Virginia tobacco reveal aromas which are more suave and gourmand. Vivaciousness and delicacy characterise the citrus fruit bouquet which develops harmoniously to give good balance on the palate.

Vintage by Nicolas Feuillatte from Champagne, France. The Nicolas Feuillatte 1998 Blanc de Blanc is a unique expression of Champagne, a 100% Chardonnay Cuvee, pale gold in color, with sumptuous aromas and flavors of green apple, dried figs, honeysuckle and a fresh, bright finish.

Vintage by Philipponnat from Champagne, France - regions. The vintaged Brut is only made in the best years. The grapes originate mainly from the Grands Crus of the Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs, limited production. The blend is composed mainly of Pinot Noir mixed with Chardonnay and is aged for many years in cellars before being marketed. Deep pink in color, extremely fine discreet mousse. The rich bouquet is full of ripe fruits, candied fruits, and figs. It's well-structured with an exceptionally long finish. Marries well with all types of meals except very spicy or sweet but is delightful when served after dinner.

Vintage by Argyle from Willamette Valley, Oregon. What were you doing twelve years ago? We were picking the grapes that have become this sparkling wine. Since then it has been aging slowly on yeast in the bottle in our cool temperature warehouse. The color is a rich, youthful yellow. After ten years of waiting, the aromas are ready to punch out of the glass with a rich potpourri of wild ginger root, Gala apple, and a splash of nectarine, tangerine and mandarin! The flavor is extra creamy in texture. The bubbles are tiny and foamy. The fruit flavors of the aroma complex with pink pepper spice and baked filo dough yeastiness. Mouth-filling richness is translated into a very long and fresh finish. This wine will also age for quite some time on cork if cellared properly. The 1995 vintage in Oregon was a sparkling winemakers dream. Late ripening, of perfectly balanced sparkling wine grapes were unaffected by early rains. Everyone of the some 25 base wines we made in 1995 was a delight. The grapes for this wine were hand-picked into small baskets. They were then transported to the winery where they were chilled to 35 degrees F before being gently pressed. After several weeks of settling in tank, only the freshest heart juice was fermented using one of Argyle's proprietary yeast strains. A blend of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir and bottle aged on yeast for a decade, this ET retains the freshness of youth. An assemblage of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir, the 1995 Brut Extended Tirage is disgorged on demand. Its complex nose of minerals, toast, yeast, and dried honey is followed by a medium-bodied character of green apples, almonds, hazelnuts (or filberts as they're known in Oregon), and flowers. This outstanding sparkler has a wonderful balance, expressiveness and length. -Wine Advocate A lovely follow-up to the outstanding '94, this well-integrated, perfectly aged brut is still crisp and showing hints of fresh apple, along with beeswax, citrus and gooseberry.

Vintage by Roederer Estate from North Coast, California. Blend: 53% Chardonnay, 47% Pinot Noir, 3.5% aged reserve L'Ermitage is Roederer Estate's special T?te de Cuvee, which has consistently been rated one of California's top sparkling wines since its debut in 1989. As in Champagne, L'Ermitage is made only in exceptional years, of pre-selected grapes that come from only the very best lots. Fine tiny bubbles and a long lasting mousse are the usual footprints of the L'Ermitage cuvee. This cuvee of the Millenium is fruity (apple, peach) with a delicate bread crust note. Mouth feel is on well balanced wine with baked apple flavors and a long and round creamy finish.

Vintage by Iron Horse from Russian River, California. This is Iron Horse's Blanc de Noirs, made from predominately Pinot Noir. It has a beautiful, pale-peach hue. Rich and creamy, like pure strawberries and cream, this is without doubt the most romantic of Iron Horse's Sparklings. A favorite of many, Iron Horse is probably best known for this cuvee. Marries perfectly with frisee salad with diced bacon and a Pinot Noir vinaigrette, Chinese chicken salad, scrambled eggs and caviar, rock shrimp and potato frittata, mushroom dishes such as a grilled Portobello sandwich or wild mushroom risotto, poached salmon - hot or cold, and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Vintage by Iron Horse from Sonoma County, California. The most elegant and sophisticated of the Iron Horse cuvees, made from 100% Chardonnay, this vintage is aged an average of six years on the yeast. It is ethereal - like drinking a cloud. It seems to effervesce away in your mouth and tastes like, among other flavors, a perfectly browned, lightly buttered slice of sourdough toast. Food Pairing A natural on Sunday morning with a beautiful, juicy melon. It is a sensational match with oysters, smoked salmon, caviar and pate. Ideal with roast chicken because it adds a clean, lemony flavor to the dish.