After a couple months of hiatus, the Friday City Club group was able to get back together (albeit a smaller, more spread out group) for an epic hosting by @joe leatherwood . 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 5 reds and 1 dessert wine, all served blind.
Everyone in the room knew this was something spectacular from first whiff. It was one of those wines where every aspect felt perfect as not one thing stood out. It was slightly yeasty but also fresh and citrus driven. Rich, but racy. Baked lemon pastries, caramel dipped golden delicious apple, classic chalk and limestone. Incredible mousse. I called this late ‘90s Dom Oenotechque/P2. — 5 years ago
At the Dom Perignon dinner last Friday night. David Cross from Moët Hennessy who presented on the night said that this was the first showing of the 2012 in Australia. More intensity and power than the 2010. David thought the 2012 will be the better wine (a definite future P2 star) but the 2010 the better wine to drink now. Almost like a very good white burgundy with a little bubble. — 4 years ago
Last week was a combo of 4th Friday and Open That Bottle Night on back to back nights. Needless to say, the lineup between both days was full of heavy hitters, so I’m only posting standout bottles.
The insane champagnes continued with this also from @joe leatherwood . I think this may be the best Dom I’ve had to date (up there with the 2000 P2). Where the Selosse was oxidized and powerful, this was more finesse and layered. Still retaining a lot of those warm/fresh baked bread notes as well as honeyed stone fruits, this showed more chalk, limestone, and “lift” to it. A streak of minerality was noticeable down the middle of the palate. Caramel nougat, and a wonderful balance of floral notes highlight the finish. Bravo! — 6 years ago
Not sure if anyone’s noticed, but lately, my tasting notes here have been a little scarce. Not for lack of tasting - trust me, the bottles have been opened, the glasses filled, and my palate put to work. But so many have been uninspiring, fleeting, forgotten before the last sip. And then, boom! A bottle like this.
Popped in the morning, savored through the evening. Great at first, but by dinner, it had truly unfurled. The nose? Cherries, plums, warm spices, rose hips, pink peppercorn, chalk, and orange zest, with a whisper of apricot. The palate? Plush yet precise, broad yet focused. Biscuity richness and an electric minerality. A saline, vinous, full-bodied stunner that lingers impossibly long.
This just reaffirms what I think about this wine - one of the best pink expressions from Champagne, period.
NB: In my mind (and admittedly, limited experience), the best champagne rosé’s include:
Selosse Rosé - haven’t had it in ages, but many bottles had in the past have brought great joy.
Bouchard Enfer - honestly, my sample size is too small, but both times were really impressive; though it must be noted that my company then thought it was more intellectual than pleasurable (too phenolic and soft).
Bereche Remensis - best value rosé? Consistently delicious and complex.
I have heard from friends that the DP P2 and P3 rosé’s deserve to be high on any list. Hope to try them one day.
— 8 months ago
Comment later.. a day later. This is a very expressive, if not dramatic, wine with a satin floral finish and more than a hint of brioche. While I have enjoyed the P2, both rosé and brut, this is a first P3 experience with some of the best wine friends ever. And that's the value of all wine. Share with friends. — 5 years ago
GaryWEdwards
Brilliant. This is Strawberry Fields Forever played in bubbles with a hint florals and lemon zest. The P2 rosés are rare and always a good find. — 3 months ago