Wine on the Radio - December 6, 2004

The Best Champagnes                 Recommendations

Champagne, that bubble-icious sparkling wine, deserves more than just the occasional sip for special events.  There are lots of reasonably priced bubblies fit that bill. 

But some champagne are truly as special as the occasion we reserve them for.  They’re the top of the line “Tete de cuvees” and “Gran Marque” champagnes from the best producers.  All are vintage champagnes made only when the harvest is so good that only the grapes for that year are used. 

These are the best of the best and they’re treated that way.  They’re aged longer in the bottle before being released so the flavors come together and develop more complexity.And usually there’s a delicacy to the feel of the tiny bubbles in your mouth… like sipping stars!

Now, these champagnes aren’t cheap but don’t you think some times are so memorable and celebrations so special that it’s worth spending more? 

Then… Pop the cork™.           Listen to the show

Tete de Cuvee – Our Picks and Recommendations . . . All Prices Approximate

1996 Bollinger Champagne "Grande Annee" $74

WS 95 points, Full-bodied and powerful. Complex nose of grains, ginger and baking bread turn to honey, citrus and nuts on the palate as it unfolds. Very firmly structured and intense, followed by a long nutty aftertaste. A Champagne for food. Superb

1995 Taittinger Champagne "Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs" $148

WS 90 points, Tasted from magnum. A lovely 95 blanc de blancs. Elegant and complex, exhibiting toast, honey and citrus flavors allied to a firm backbone of acidity. Good persistence of flavor through the long finish

Dom Perignon 1996 with Gift Box $130
Winemaker's notes:
To taste Dom Pérignon is to discover the unique spirit and style of a truly great French Champagne.  Every stage of vineyard selection, winemaking and slow cellar aging is, in itself, a quest for perfection. The unique Dom Pérignon style is a rich creamy mousse, fine bubbles, a spirited, crisp opening leading into a broad palette of aromas and tastes and finally, the delicacy of the substance itself

Veuve Clicquot 1996 Brut La Grande Dame with Gift Box $130
Winemaker's notes:
La Grande Dame 1996 is a pale gold-green color with brilliant reflections that are typical of the vintage. Effervescence is delicate and extremely steady

Louis Roederer 1997 Cristal Brut $200
Winemaker's notes:
The Ultimate Champagne for Toasting successes, this luxurious elixir is highly sought after. Crystal’s signature bottle clearly shows off the lustrous pale gold appearance of this wine. An intensely floral bouquet fragrant with almonds, hazelnuts and wild flowers is complemented by a touch of acidity to mark a finish of elegant persistence. Light and fresh, this is undoubtedly a Champagne of admirable magnitude with time

1995 Louis Roederer Champagne "Cristal Rose Luxury" $300

A rich, full-bodied rose, with a sense of elegance. Light amber in color, with enticing fruit and spice aromas, a plush texture and a lingering finish

1990 Krug Champagne "Clos du Mesnil" $450

WS 97 points, A seductive mosaic of biscuit, honey and walnut oil leads to baking bread and citrus in this masculine, youthful Champagne. Very tightly wound and bracing at the moment