Sushi and 2002 Vintage Champagnes

Fuji-Ya, Minneapolis
Tasted Wednesday, January 5, 2011 by Siggy with 559 views

Introduction

Dave McMahon, Craig Vanderah, Leo Sioris, and I met for a mid-week offline at Fuji-Ya in Minneapolis. Inspired by Dave McMahon's desire to pop one of his newly acquired 2002 Dom Perignons, we decided to try a range of 2002 vintage Champagnes. The restaurant prepared a large custom assortment of mostly excellent sushi, which we gobbled down in one of their private tatami-floored rooms -- very fun. The 2002 Dom was spectacular and the unanimous WOTN. Thanks especially to Dave for organizing and for sharing such an awesome bottle.

Flight 1 (5 Notes)

  • NV Launois Pere et Fils Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée Reservé Blanc des Blancs Brut 90 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    Tart, with lots of bright citrus and green apple flavors. Crisp, long, and pure. Moderate complexity. Quite nice.

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  • 2002 Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Millésimé 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    Second time tasted -- another outstanding showing. Very complex and ripe, with layers of apple, citrus fruits, cream, vanilla, and ginger that build to a yeasty/toasty finish. Bright, mineral-laden, intense, and long. This has plenty of power but also a terrific sense of elegance and class.

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  • 2002 Marguet Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé 91 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    Second time tasted. This was really tight and closed. Initially served too warm (my fault), showing straightforward peachy flavors and sharp acidity. As it chilled down, it improved dramatically and resembled a more closed-down version of the bottle I tasted in November (see TN). IMHO, these really need to rest for a couple years.

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  • 2002 Dom Pérignon Champagne 95 Points

    France, Champagne

    The 2002 Dom is still wide open for business, and this bottle rewarded our infanticide. The deep, dynamic, fascinating nose initially shows flowers and smoke, but turns more fruit- and spice-driven with air. Complex, fresh palate -- ginger, anise, toast, and cream, wrapped around a tight core of ripe citrus fruit. So intense, racy, and elegant. Gorgeous, pin-prick bubble mousse. A terrific showing. Unanimous WOTN.

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  • 2002 Jacques Picard Champagne Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    Enticing, smoky nose that leads to a deep, complex palate of crisp red fruit, honey, and minerals. Long and suavely textured.

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