Champagne Tasting: December 16, 2017

Cava Avinyo Reserva Brut 2014

Regular Price $16.99

Sale Price $12.99

For this reserve bottling, the typical trifecta of Spanish Cava grapes–Parellada, Xarel-lo, and Macabeo–are employed. Only free-run juice of the pressed berries is fermented. It then spends time in oak barrels before aging 24 months in bottle on the lees. The resulting soft mouth-feel, golden apple flavors, and finishing mineral lift give the impression that this fine sparkler could easily be mistaken for a high-end Champagne

Francoise Chidaine Montlouis sur Loire Brut, NV

Regular Price $29.99

Sale price $23.99

A complex bouquet of ripe apple, pear and quince, with honey and beeswax nuances. Distinctly chenin blanc in character, offering dried orchard fruit and bitter lemon qualities and a strong mineral undertone. A touch of marzipan adds depth to the dry, stony, precise finish.

Loimer Brut Rose, Niederosterreich, Austria, NV

Regular Price $32.99

Sale price $25.99

A delicate nose of wildflowers, fresh strawberries and bay leaf is framed by gentle spice. On the palate, the wine’s floral character is supported by hints of toasted bread. The fine perlage creates a supple mouthfeel that is complimented by invigorating acidity. A wine of great tension, freshness, and finesse. 58% Zweigelt, 35% Pinot Noir, 7% Chardonnay

Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley, NV

Regular Price $24.99

Sale price $19.99

Founded in 1981, Roederer Estate is nestled in Mendocino County’s fog-shrouded, Anderson Valley. The region’s proximity to the ocean gives rise to a gentle cycle of warm days and cool nights, allowing grapes to mature slowly on the vine and develop full varietal character. The wine is crisp and elegant with complex pear, spice and hazelnut flavors. It is fresh and lightly fruity with great finesse and depth of flavor.

Champagne Laurent-Perrier Brut, NV

Regular Price $49.99

Sale price $34.99

The Laurent-Perrier NV Brut is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier, and is based on 2009 plus 15-30% reserve wines from two or three vintages. The wine has a refined, fresh and elegant nose with brioche and delicate citrus flavors. Lean, refined and elegant on the palate, this is a dry and silky textured, vivacious, and perfectly fresh and balanced aperitif Champagne.

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve, NV

Regular Price $63.99

Sale Price $49.99

Aged 36 months on the lees, the Brut Reserve is clean and vivacious, with rich stone fruit and honey, plus that classic chalky finish. This has impressive ripe stone fruits on the nose with peaches, mangoes, melon and cherries. Really upbeat and attractive purity. The palate follows the same thread of fruit characters with a clever balance of flesh and crunch, a bright finish and good balance. A blend of roughly equal thirds of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier