Reviews

Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs

Same as previous notes. Very nice on a hot day, but nothing to write home about.

Francois Lecompte Champagne

A right now, ready to go, fruit forward type of wine. Not a whole lot of cut, but man was it giving its all in the core fruit department. Lemon, red apple flesh (mesocarp), clarified butter, and a…

Thienot Champagne Brut

Similar to my previous notes. It was a really hot day, and this wine warmed up fast in the glass. Lost some focus and became a little flat toward the very end. Still enjoyable and fun, but make sure…

Pannier Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut

A nice balanced sparkler. Pear, apple, and light cream. Subtle yeasty flavors were not overpowering, and added some depth. Didn't necessarily have any noteworthy cut or acid to slice through some of…

Thienot Champagne Brut

Same as my previous tasting note. Went down way too easy. Lacked just a tad bit of focus and tension, but a more plush version of a Champagne sparkler. Fun and just plain good. Not cerebral, but a…

Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley

User-friendly and a decent sparkling sipper for brunch, especially given the QPR. Nothing overly identifiable about its profile that leaps out at you and grabs your attention, but that's ok. It's got…

Ferrari Brut

Decent acidity, a little overtly frothy, but a decent body for what it represents. Nothing to get too excited about, but holds its own throughout consumption. Paired well with seared octopus.

Salmon Champagne 100% Meunier Brut

A very noteworthy Champagne in that it offered some nice upfront, agreeable flavors and didn't clamp down on the back end with any harsh dryness the way some lesser brut Champagne sparklers often do.…

Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs

It does the job, and that's about it. Don't expect too much. Profile is a bit linear and dry, with a thin citrus streak on the back end. An ok summer sipper primer before you start your meal.…

Iron Horse Vineyards Wedding Cuvée

Served at Madrona Manor (amazing dinner!) with the first few amuses. Decent depth and a little less crisp than expected. It made it an easy drinker in that regard. Not overly brut, dry, or…

Thienot Champagne Brut

This was the #1 sparkler of the night; tasted side-by-side with two others (#2 was a 2007 Schramsberg Reserve; #3 was a Frank Family Brut Rose). I was honestly shocked at the depth and wonderful…

Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve

Of three sparkling wines tasted side-by-side (with a Frank Family rose and a Thienot Champagne), this was a close second for me, just behind the beautiful Thienot (my #1). Others thought the Thienot…

J Vineyards & Winery Vintage Brut Late Disgorged Russian River Valley

Paired with three starters: an egg foam and Sriracha shot; goat cheese and beet-marinated fig tartlet; and a geoduck and cucumber bite.

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve

Same as two weeks ago. Goes down easy. Has enough cut to pair with heavy meats and cheeses, but also has a nice almondy smoothness on the back end that doesn't make it astringent in any way. Good QPR…

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve

Same as previous notes from March 6, 2016. Nicely balanced Champagne for the price-point.

Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Noirs Brut

A pleasant sparkling. Decent foam and a user-friendly mouthfeel and profile that never offends. A good-to-go drink when you want a sparkling white on a hot evening. Paired great with crab jalapeño…

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut Millésimé

Nice balance between crip and lively, with a bit of crema foam and brioche. The usual suspects of tart pear, green apple, and some lemon.

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve

Based on 2008 vintage; DG 2014.

Dom Pérignon Champagne

Crisp and tight, with notes of pear, apple, flint, and slate. The bubbles seemed to be masking the sheepish fruit hiding in the shadows. Missing some of the richness and nuttiness found in other…