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)

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.

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

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.

Vintage by Taittinger from Champagne, France - regions. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs was created to commemorate Thibaud IV, Comte de Champagne, who planted the first Chardonnay vines in France in the 13th century. First released in 1957 with the 1952 vintage, it is produced exclusively from the delicate first pressing of costly Chardonnay grapes grown to greatest perfection in the vineyards of the communes of the Cote des Blancs, named for the suitability of its microclimates to that vine variety. Champagne Taittinger's extensive vineyard holdings of 600 acres include several parcels in the 100 percent-rated villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Cote des Blancs, and assure the consistent supply from year to year of the most exceptional Chardonnay grapes available. This superb Champagne, produced only in years exceptional enough to declare a vintage, is appropriately presented in an antique-style bottle of XVIIIth century design. Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the ultimate expression of the Taittinger style, a Champagne of great refinement, elegance and delicacy. The clean, aristocratic Chardonnay fragrance is offset by warm, toasty nuances, which carry onto a palate of finely- balanced, generous white fruit flavors underscored by a fine, crisp acidity and subtle mineral notes. The refined, toasty finish is lasting and complex.

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 Nicolas Feuillatte from Champagne, France - regions. The Palmes d'Or Grand Cuvee is a work of love for Feuillatte winemakers, as they have selected the best from the vintage. Only truly exceptional years qualify to produce it. A blend of 50% Chardonnay for elegance and finesse and 50% Pinot Noir for body and power. A pale yellow hue with fine delicate bubbles, its complex aromas are dominated by notes of pastry and caramel lifted by subtle touches of fennel, star anise and lemon peel. This smooth and balanced Champagne is beautifully packaged in a matte gold container and black velvet wrap. Mixed aromas of toasted grains, caramel and beer. Sweet and doughy with vanilla, malt and tart citrus. Lengthy finish with a mix of brioche, citrus and baked apple. -Wine News

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.

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.

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