I’ll Have Champagne Please!

K&L Wine Merchants in Los Angeles held a Champagne Tasting Event yesterday, which featured over 50 Champagnes, including big names such as Krug, Dom, Bollinger, Louis Roederer, Moët & Chandon, as well some French artisanal growers/producers. I absolutely adore Champagne and this provided a wonderful opportunity to put some of the best “bubbly” on the market to the test. Following my sparkling afternoon spent sipping, comparing, and hearing the ins and outs from the experts, I compiled a list of my favorites to share with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Armand de Brignac NV Blanc de Blancs Ace of Spades: “The highly sought after ultra-luxury cuvee made by Cattier. It is packaged in a gold bottle with a pewter card-spade with an A on it instead of a label, giving rise to the nick-name “ace of spades”. It is a favorite of many musicians and has been popping up in celebrity circles and even in videos. Take your cue from Jay-Z and pop open a bottle of this bubbly, made exclusively from Premier and Grand Cru-rated villages in three different terroirs: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs. It is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40%, Pinot Noir, and 20% Pinot Meunier.” (Gary Westby, K&L)
  • 1999 Pommery “Cuvee Louise” Brut Champagne: Grapefruit, wheat cracker and ginger flavors highlight this sleek, tensile Champagne. On the dry side and firmly structured, it would pair nicely with food. Moderate length. Drink now through 2018.
  • 2003 Moët & Chandom Grand Vintage: “An extraordinary wine, offering from the very first encounter, all round pleasure that is completely seductive. This vintage is splendidly free, tremendously assertive, distinguished yet delightfully spirited and mischievous.” (Benoit Gouez, Chef de Cave)
  • 2004 Taittinger Millesime: “A toasty Champagne, with an exotic hint of cumin spicing the wine and supporting flavors of clementine, ginger bread and graphite. There’s intensity and racy acidity, all put together in a well-meshed, elegant package. Drink now through 2024.” (Wine Spectator)
  • Heidsieck Monopole “Blue Top” Brut Champagne: “Elegant and expressive, this delivers floral, pear and toffee flavors matched to a creamy texture. Beautifully integrated, this lingers nicely on the mineral finish. Drink now through 2010.” (Wine Spectator)
  • Ariston Aspasie “Cepages d’Antan” Brut Champagne: This super rare bottling is made with some of the nearly extinct, native varietals of Champagne. It is composed of 40% Meslier, 40% Arbanne and 20% Pinot Blanc. The nose has only hints of exoticism, the over all impression is of rich cream and toast, but underneath is a hint of pine and exotic white fruit from the old varieties. On the palate the Champagne makes for a double take: it is very rich and textural, but finishes with a laser beam of chalky acidity that just goes on and on. It is fantastic first course Champagne, and pairs well with a wide variety of foods, we tried it with both foie and oysters to equal delight!”  (Gary Westby, K&L)
  • Launois “Cuvée Reserve” Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne: “This spectacular Champagne is one of the most sought after in France. This house is from Mesnil, the southernmost Grand Cru in Champagne and home to Salon and Krug’s Clos de Mesnil. This Champagne is all Chardonnay and all Grand Cru from the villages of Mesnil, Oger, Cramant and Avize – a roll call of the finest crus for Chardonnay in all of Champagne and all Veritas-certified for sustainable agriculture. It is made primarily from the 2004 harvest with 10% 2001 reserve wine and more than three years on the lees after an all stainless-steel vinification. The aromatics of this Champagne are like polished white Burgundy with a touch of pine nut and minerals. The flavors are broad and rich. This is serious wine, with small bubbles and a refreshing finish.” (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)

 

Dom Pérignon 2002 Vintage, featuring Warhol-esque packaging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Armand de Brignac "Ace of Spades"... They will even personally engrave the case nameplate upon request

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with the Champagne, gorgeous little nibbles were provided by Cube Marketplace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K&L Wine Merchants have a number of events coming up. I suggest taking a look at their online calendar if you enjoy a good glass of wine. The events are lovely and definitely worth the ticket price.