The wines were poured and tasted in two traches of 4 to ensure the wines weren't sitting in glass too long. A bit more work for the pouring team but attendees appreciated the attention to detail!
Our guest speaker was Kimberly Berdusco, a certified sommelier by both the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and a certified educator with WSE. Kimberly provided a lively commentary on what goes into making Champagne and some tips and advice on how to recognise a Champagne over other sparklings as we did have wines from Spain, Italy and even England (which rated middle of the pack by guests and Kimberly).
The Wines
2014 Raventos i Blanc De La Finca Vinya Dels Fossils - Spain $36
“Made from grapes sourced from the 'Vinya dels Fòssils' vineyard, it is no surprise this wine reveals a distinct mineral note. There is a core of intense limey freshness on the palate with a pleasant bitter character to the citrus fruit, accented by a firm saline note. The rush of acidity is exciting and ensures a tight structure. Will certainly reward further patience as it starts to show its autolytic side.” 91 points Decanter
2008 Raventos i Blanc Methode Traditionelle - Spain $80
“Somehow I had only tasted later releases under the Enoteca label ten years after the vintage, but they also sell a current vintage of their grand vin, a blend personally decided by Pepe Raventós father, Manuel Raventos Negra, after whom the wine is named. 2008 was not an easy vintage, but often challenging vintages result in very good wines, as seems to be the case of the 2008 Manuel Raventós Negra, a Xarello-based blend with 15% each Macabeo and Parellada, presented as a Brut Nature and disgorged at least after six years in contact with the lees. This 2008 is sharp and direct, very lively, vertical and mineral. This is probably a little thinner, but I like the austerity, the verticality it displays. This is the more evolved of the three vintages produced.” 93 points Lluis Gutierrez Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2008 Pol Roger Vintage - France $97
“Pol Roger's 2008 Brut Vintage is bright and energetic, but also tightly wound and not fully expressive today. There is good energy to the orchard fruit and citrus driven flavors, not to mention plenty of acid-driven persistence. I would prefer to cellar the 2008 for at least a year or two to see what happens.” Drinking Window: 2020-2028. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, July 2017)
NV Pol Roger Reserve Brut - France $67
“Bright, pale gold colour. After swirling, the nose unfurls brioche, toasted notes and a touch of stone fruits. Seductive silky texture on the palate, delicate, creamy bubbles where suppleness and freshness combine harmoniously.” 89 points
Gilbert & Gaillard NV Ruppert-Leroy Fosse-Grely Brut Nature - France $69
“Bénédicte and Emmanuel Leroy's grapes come from tiny plots in the Aube Valley and are farmed biodynamically. The wine is produced without sulphur and offers a savoury smoky bacon note with hazelnuts, soft stone fruits and crisp pink grapefruit, all with a fantastic intensity.” Dawn Davies MW
NV Domaine de la Pinte Cremant de Jura - France $43
“A well-kept secret until now, Jura crémants offer an extraordinary pleasure-price ratio for bubbly lovers. A blanc de blancs made exclusively with Chardonnay, this sparkling wine is delicate, fresh and airy. Accents of ripe apple, almond and toast are perceptible.” 2 stars Le Guide Hachette des Vins
NV Chapel Down Classic NV Brut - UK $49
“Very neat and dense. Clean and well judged. Piercing acidity but sufficient fruit too. “Distinguished. Score – 16/10. Jancis Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com
NV Bisol Talento Pas Dose, Extra Brut – Italy $48
“From Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Pinot Nero gapes taken from the best plots in the traditional grape growing hills. Colour: Golden yellow enlivened by the fine, abundant and persistent perlage. Bouquet: Rich, elegant and balanced bringing to mind the scent of fruit, tobacco leaves, wild meadow and woodland flowers. The wine is dry, full, savoury and inviting yet harmoniously lively and elegant in its persistent finale.” Gassas Wines
How the wines were ranked