ComfortWinery.com

Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve Champagne NV

This magnum opened Simona's birthday party.  I have never been disappointed with Billecart-Salmon's brut; it is one of the best non-vintage champagnes I know of...   $110; 89 points

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte NV

This bubbly from Nicolas Feuillatte got the party rolling at Simona's birthday party.

1999 Dom Perignon

I have been surprised at the bottle-variation I've experienced with Dom Perignon over the years.    I have had disappointing bottles from the 1999 vintage in the past, but this one tasted great.   Yellow fruits, a low yeast profile, and a satisfying and crisp mouthfeel followed by a lush finish -- this is a Dom worthy of the hyperbole that typically surrounds the bottling!   $120; 92 points

Reginato "Celestine" Sparkling Rosé of Malbec NV 'CJR'

Vine Connections distributes the made-for-export CJR brand, whose sparklin malbec reminds me of sparkling shiraz, but lighter colored.  Not much nuance here but off-beat bubblies are always fun to have around.  $17; 88 points 

McLernon and Durham love an audience

Truly a remarkable tasting -- 32 of the finest French Champagnes at the same tasting!

John Durham -- Champagne lover extraordinaire

John threw the most extravagent champagne tasting I've ever attended -- most of the wines you see in this section of the site were sourced and/or purchased by him!

A Jacquart et Fils 'Cuvee Speciale' Champagne

This Cuvee Speciale was the final champagne in our France v USA tasting; and it was at a disadvantage in that: 1) it was the last wine served, and 2) it's a Blanc des Blancs (which typically has fewer layers of flavor because it's made from 100% Chardonnay).   $27; 88 points

Canard-Duchene 'Charles VII' Brut Champagne

None of us had ever seen this bottling from Canard-Duchene before Norm Page brought it to our France v USA tasting at Mangia Tutti in San Franisco's Financial District.   It is a mellow and unremarkable Blanc des Blancs; straightforward & somewhat obvious fruit expression with some lime rind and citrus on the finish.  $65; 89 points 

1996 William Deutz Rose Champagne

John Durham not only set up the France v USA champagne tasting and paid for dinner for us all, but in my opinion he also brought the best bottle!   This rose from William Deutz showed fantastically well, partially because it was the only rose in the group of 15 bottlings that we tried.  The light rose color belies the power this bubbly packs -- with sky-high acids, bright honeysuckle/raspberry fruit and a delightful mouthfeel and finish.   This was a WOW wine for me -- when the quality is this high I can live with the price...   $165; 95 points 

 

1998 Veuve Cliquot 'La Grande Dame' Champagne

David also contributed this bottle to our big tasting -- La Grande Dame is one of the better known (and widely distributed) fine French champagnes for sale in America and it's easy to understand why it is so popular.   The wine is well-made technically and in terms of providing the flavor elements typically expected from French champagne: lemony fruit that's ripe and prominent, light yeast, lively acids -- but none of it is subtle.   Very expensive at $140; 90 points