France vs. West Coast

Annie and I visited our friends Denise and Kevin in Vancouver. Denise and Kevin have taken a greater interest in fine wine so whenever we get together, much good wine is drank. Kevin wanted to do a France vs. West Coast theme so that's what we did. Wines were served single blind.

The CA sparkling wine was everyone's favorite. It through me for a loop since I guessed it as the real Champagne due to its more intense and complex flavors and aromas. With much coaxing, the Egly-Ouriet started to open up but it was still bested by the Schramsberg tonight.

• NV Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Tradition Brut 90 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  Some toast. Subtle and elegant. Apple and citrus. A very good Champagne but on this night, it was bested by a 2000 Schramsberg Brut North Coast.

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• 2000 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Anderson Valley 92 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  Toasty and bready nose with pear and citrus. Intense. Great sparkling wine.

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Guessed the country of origin wrong again. Also preferred the Oregon to the Alsace Riesling. In my defense, I felt the Alsace Riesling was a poor example.

• 2005 Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbés 84 Points

  France, Alsace

  Off dry. Some custard on the nose. On the palate, it's tart and light to medium body. A drying feel on the palate that makes me think of tannin. Which is odd since there should not be any tannin in a white wine. Drinkable but I didn't think this was a good example of Alsace Riesling.

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• 2006 Lemelson Vineyards Dry Riesling 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Open and expressive nose of flowers, citrus, and a hint of petrol. Lovely Riesling.

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The J.Roty needed more time to come around. Seemed a bit closed on the nose and the beautiful aromatics are one thing I like about Pinot. Hopefully it will open up with more time in the cellar. The Cristom was just a beautiful example of Oregon Pinot. Once again, I guessed the country of origin wrong. I also preferred the Cristom. What am I doing with all this French wine in my cellar?

• 2002 Cristom Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  Gorgeous and powerful nose of dill, smoke, flowers, and red fruits. Lush and silky on the palate with beautiful balance and complexity.

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• 2003 Domaine Joseph Roty Marsannay Ouzeloy 89 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Marsannay

  Reticent nose. Some subtle red fruits but that's it. The palate is much better. Smooth and well balanced with good weight. Nice finish with some interesting complexities.

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Finally I guessed the country of origin right. It was no contest between the Hedges and Lascombes. The Lascombes was intense, full bodied, complex and a powerful wine. The Hedges couldn't stand up to it.

• 2005 Château Lascombes 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Very dark. Intense and complex nose. Full bodied and very tannic. A great wine that needs lots of time in the cellar.

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• 2005 Hedges Family Estate Three Vineyards Red Mountain 89 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

  Nice nose with medium intensity aromas of berries, oak, and vanilla. The palate was medium body with moderately firm tannins and acidity.

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It was a fun and educational night. Thanks Denise and Kevin for hosting us!