BOT 244--Sparkler Night

Miami University, Oxford, OH
Tasted Tuesday, April 29, 2008 by cobbpa with 420 views

Introduction

Went to wine class again to see what sparklers Jack (the professor) had on tap and got a good survey from several countries & styles.

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

NV Rive della Chiesa Colli Trevigiani IGT 82 Points

Italy, Veneto, Colli Trevigiani IGT

Somewhat closed nose...a little hint of something almost sherry-like. Some waiting brought out whiffs of a biscuit topped with honey & butter, but very faintly. Bubbles show up only lightly on the tongue, along with some tartness & tastes of apples. Almost a touch of heat on the end, but at <11% alcohol, I wonder if there was something slightly off about this particular bottle. I still thought it was good.

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2004 Marquès de Gelida Cava Brut Exclusive Reserva 88 Points

Spain, Cava

Nose is yeasty, with some citrus and a bit of green apple. Sipping brings a nice crema in the mouth, a slightly sweet taste and a nice, creamy texture. Good soft fruits throughout and a nice finish.

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NV Jean-Louis Denois Crémant de Limoux Brut Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs 87 Points

France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Crémant de Limoux

Had this again at another tasting. Nose gives off pear & apple scents, and something sort of yeasty but with some mineral or grassy tones...different. Crisp, dry, somewhat light, but a nice mouthfeel. Slight peach / pear tastes, ends with a clean finish.

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Flight 2 (3 Notes)

NV Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Anderson Valley 89 Points

USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

Nice bubbles raise up scents of melon rind and a very slight whiff of watermelon. Bubbles expand very well in the mouth, followed by what tastes like juicy candy--think yellow & orange Starburst candy, but milder in magnitude. Very clear lemon on the good, dry finish. Touch of sweetness here as well.

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NV Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve 90 Points

France, Champagne

Assume this is the right wine--is labeled Non-Vintage, but adds "Disgorged in 2007."
Nose of some interesting fruits...little melon, some unripened pineapple, perhaps a shriveled up lemon that's been left out a while, upheld by some bread-like and nutty tones. Gives off great mouth-filling crema, very smooth and full flavored through out. Good fruit and nutty flavors intertwined, ends with a rich, somewhat nutty, finish that lingers.

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2007 Vietti Moscato d'Asti 88 Points

Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Moscato d'Asti

Interesting wine to experience. It's recognizably moscato through & through. Great candied melon & white fruits on the nose. Decent amount of bubbles in the mouth, yet stays light. The honeyed white fruits come through great on the palate. Enough acid to balance out the sweetness. It tastes & smells like a muscat dessert wine, but is 5.5% alcohol & bubbly--very interesting, and very pleasant to drink as well.

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Flight 3 (1 Note)

This was given for students to compare against their original notes 10 weeks ago.

2002 Vérité Archipel 87 Points

USA, California, North Coast, Napa / Sonoma

Nose of blackberries, moss, some other dark fruits it as well. Slightly bitter fruits in the mouth, but not in a harsh way really--sort of unripe dark fruits. Wood and earth tones are present as well. Strong acid that lingers. Llight on the tannins through a slightly warm (but enjoyably so) finish. It probably needs a little while to sort its self out, the flavors seemed somehow lumped together...like the wine was bulky or clumsy; perhaps the overarching oak components need to settle down. Still very good and somewhat interesting. Blend is 49% Cab Sauv, 32% Merlot, 18% Cab Franc, 1% Malbec.

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