SOBER (fka TWITS) Chinese food & Rose Champagne

MG put together this event - originally an effort at a holiday party, we wound up pushing it to January and making the event a chinese banquet with rose champagnes as the wine theme. Central Seafood did a great job - my first time there - excellent, very fresh food, great service, and a wonderful attitude.

The food was quite an undertaking - 16 courses in all, I believe. We started with some siu mai, har gow, and shark fin dumplings. That was followed by jalapeno shrimp, then fried whole shrimp, followed by massive oysters with black bean sauce. Then some wonderful crabs, and amazing lobster. Then a lovely halibut dish in a light sauce. Then roast duck and roasted chicken with garlic. Then 2 different kinds of pork ribs. And some baby bok choy, some pork fried rice. Several desserts as well. And I think I'm forgetting a course or two.

The wines overall went beautifully with the food. Definitely the right pairing. And some beautiful champagnes, coming from someone with relatively little experience with champagne. We never got to the still wines which were brought.

Wines are listed in the order poured. Foods are listed more or less in the order served. None were designed as specific pairings.

• 2000 Domaine Huet Vouvray Pétillant Brut 87 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray Pétillant

  The nose is slightly sweet, and a bit nutty. On the palate, this is dry and nutty with a finish that's a bit chalky. For me, the chalkiness on the finish is a bit much, detracting from an otherwise very nice wine.

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• NV Mont-Ferrant Cava Brut Rosé 89 Points

  Spain, Cava

  Nice strawberry on the nose. Crisp and clean wine, with a touch of strawberry and even some cranberry on the palate. Very nice quaffer. Great foil for the chinese food.

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• NV Taittinger Champagne Nocturne Sec 92 Points

  France, Champagne

  Beautiful nose of toasted brioche. Lovely palate; light, crisp, and clean. Notes of brioche, almonds, and apple, with just a hint of sweetness.

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• 1988 J. Lassalle Champagne Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 90 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

  Nose of toasted nuts and brioche. A bit sweet. Very different from the Nocturne. Pear, vanilla, and nuts. A bit of something sort of like a cheese rind. Quite interesting.

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• NV Taittinger Champagne Brut Prestige Rosé 90 Points

  France, Champagne

  Nose of light red fruit. On the palate, strawberry and a touch of nuts. Very nice.

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• 1998 Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Champagne Diamant Rosé 93 Points

  France, Champagne

  Lovely salmon color. Quite nutty nose, with a touch of yeast and a dollop of fruit. On the palate, this is a lovely, full-bodied champagne. Clean and fresh, with lots of strawberry notes, a touch of brioche. Really a very nice wine. Should improve with time. 93+

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• 1990 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut La Grande Dame 94 Points

  France, Champagne

  Yeasty, brioche nose. Clean, crisp, nutty, and acidic on the palate. Just a beautiful champagne. Really excellent.

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• 1982 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 96 Points

  France, Champagne

  Gorgeous nose of toasted brioche. Wonderful nutty cheese on the palate. Dry, clean, slightly yeasty. This was just gorgeous. I could drink this every day!

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• 1998 Billecart-Salmon Champagne Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon 91 Points

  France, Champagne

  Floral fragrant nose, with a touch of very light raspberry. Lovely, full-bodied champagne, with strawberries, yeast, and brioche.

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• 1999 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Rosé Brut 92 Points

  France, Champagne

  Crisp, clean nose. The palate is clean, but complex, with berries and brioche. Very nice.

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Overall, a great, great evening.