Sparkling Wines

FIRST FLIGHT ~ Blue Cheese Gougeres with Bacon

NV Roederer Estate Brut
91 points and one of Wine & Spirits 100 Best Buys of 2011: "This estate-grown blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir gains added richness from oak-aged reserve wines. The reserves broaden the texture, contributing almond tones to the clean, fresh apple and pear flavors. A festive aperitf, this delivers far beyond its price." (Winter 2011) And from Wine Spectator: "Rich and youthful, with delicate aromas of green apple and lime that lead to full flavors of baked pear and toasty anise, laced with cinnamon. The finish is clean and crisp, with a hint of mineral. Drink now." (Web only, 2011) K&L's notes - Founded in 1981, Roederer Estate is nestled in Mendocino County's cool, fog-shrouded Anderson Valley. As the California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate builds upon a centuries-old tradition of fine winemaking. Roederer Estate's sparkling wines are produced using only Estate-grown grapes from the winery's own vineyards. Carrying on the tradition of Champagne Louis Roederer in France, special oak-aged reserve wines are added to each blend.  91 Points

NV Maison Boizel Champagne Brut
Winemaker's Comments:
A brilliant straw gold robe with fine, regular bubbles. Lovely floral aromas with notes of honey, brioche and citrus. Crisp mouthfeel with hints of hazelnut and fresh minerality on a long finsh.

SECOND FLIGHT ~ Timbales of Shrimp and Steelhead Mousseline with Citrus Beurre Blanc Sauce

NV Roederer Estate Brut Rosé 
According to Wine Spectator: "A creamy, festive wine, with a soft salmon hue, floral raspberry and strawberry aromas, and succulent, easygoing cherry and spicy vanilla flavors. Drink now through 2012." One of the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Wines of 2009 and a standout again in 2010: "The regular Roederer Brut remains perhaps the best deal in California bubbles, but the Rosé is the standout - although this latest tasting revealed it a touch riper than last year. Woodsy notes add to a dark-stone minerality that underlines cranberry, tangerine and pear flavors. It's got that quintessential brightness, with a bit of creamy vanilla at the end." As with all Roederer Estate wines, the Brut Rosé is comprised of 100 percent estate-grown grapes. Oak-aged wines from the Estate's reserve cellars are added to the blend, creating a multi-vintage cuvée in the traditional Roederer style. The Roederer Estate Brut Rosé is full and round with smooth flavors and fine persistent bubbles. The extra measure of Chardonnay contributes elegance and austerity, which balance nicely with the delicate fruitiness of the Pinot Noir.

NV Maison Boizel Champagne Brut Rosé
One of the region's finest rose wines. Consistently fruity with plenty of berry fruit in the bouquet and also on the palate. Its light pink color with gold reflections and its subtle red fruit aromas (red currant, cherry) are obtained throught blending with about 8% Pinot Noir vinified as red.A superb Champagne and truly delicious.
Winemaker's Comments:
With its pale salmon pink robe with bronze tints, the Champagne has very fine bubbles, and a subtle nose that offers fruity and delicate aromas of small red berries (wild strawberry, cherry). In the mouth, the wine is deliciously fresh, with more intense fruity aromas and a slightly spicy background.

THIRD FLIGHT ~ Grilled Chicken with Champagne Cream Sauce

2002 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Sparkling Wine 
L’ERMITAGE is Roederer Estate’s special Tete de cuvy, which has consistently been rated one of California’s top sparkling wines since its debut in 1989.  Taking a cue from owner Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate produces its sparkling wines in the traditional French method chamenoise and adds special oak-aged reserve wines to each blend.  L’ERMITAGE is made only in exceptional years, of pre-selected grapes that come from the very best lots.
91 points Wine Spectator: "Sleek and complex, with lovely aromas of green apple, loam and warm cinnamon rolls. The flavors show pinpoint focus, yet are nicely layered, with baked apple, lime and toasty spice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2013." (11/08)

1999 Maison Boizel Champagne Millesime Vintage
Winemaker's Comments:
Brilliant straw gold robe with fine, regular bubbles, and an expressive, fine and fresh nose which opens on white flowers aromas followed by notes of small berries and brioche. Silky and generous mouthfeel on an elegant yet powerful finish.
Bright, showing an elegant golden color with hints of straw and fine, persistent. The nose is fruity and attractive with delectable elegant aromas of red berries, biscuit and acacia flowery notes. On the palate, the texture is silky and rich with well balanced flavours somewhere between power and delicacy. The finale is pure and persistent.