A night with neighborhood friends

We invited two couples in the neighborhood we like a lot but hadn't seen in a while. Pot luck. Great cheese, fruit, charcuterie, home-smoked salmon, pork sliders and turkey salad (with orange and anise) sandwiches.

One can't prep without something nice to drink

• 2009 Deutz Champagne Rosé Brut Millésimé Amour de Deutz

  France, Champagne

  Deutz Amour always stands shoulder-to-shoulder with my favorite tête de cuvée rosé champagnes. For me, there's a deliciously unique cinnamon note in this cuvèe. From a half bottle.

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With charcuterie, cheese, and fruit

• 2009 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut

  France, Champagne

  The 2009 has never shut down. Still showing well, although with lemon dominating like all young Cristal. I love this vintage in Champagne.

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• 2007 Billecart-Salmon Champagne Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon

  France, Champagne

  A big step up from the delicious NV. Orange zest and lemon, orchard fruit and strawberries. Very elegantly styled. It felt a little less open than my last bottle, but that was influenced by the fact it followed a 2009 Cristal.

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Guest brought leftover pork and turkey for sliders, and home-made smoked sockeye.

• 2015 Ceritas Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  Beware if you're looking for subtlety. You won't find it here. So bold, one guest guessed Cab. For me, an obvious but very generous Pinot Noir. Good complexity and density, it expresses the hot, dry vintage.

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• 2001 Robert Ampeau & Fils Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru

  Wow, this is drinking really well right now. It followed and contrasted a dense Sonoma Pinot. Earthy, savory raspberry and dark berries. Very good showing.

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No one will decline one more nice champagne

• NV Robert Moncuit Champagne Grand Cru Reserve Perpetuelle Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  Last wine of the evening. I've liked this cuvée quite a bit lately. Great complexity here. More on the mature or oxidative side. Really dense, but the lower dosage and acidity keeps it fresh. Clearly a BdB, with pear, quince jelly, pastry notes. Under-priced, IMO.

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Fun to do now and then.