...Champagne Tasting Continued:

The 2002 Dom Ruinart has really begun to fill out these last six months. We were impressed with the finesse, layer upon layer of complexity, and the strength this wine will have one day. Patience is required (5-10 years) but if you have a few bottles, try one today. You won't be disappointed.

The 2004 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut was not as thrilling as we hoped. Soft, with light minerality, pleasant notes of pear, quince, fuji apple, but all in all a safe wine. At this price point there are better champagnes out there.

2004 was a pretty solid vintage so we expect great things from the 2004 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame. While the Wine Enthusiast proclaimed this wine "rich and creamy", we found it subtle, elegant, and clean but lacking in acidity and strength that would make this a great wine (and allow it to age well).

Krug. We just love saying Krug. It puts a smile on your face. The MV Krug Grand Cuvee is an product of love. Extreme love of champagne when you figure that this Brut is sourced from 134 different vineyards, aged seperately, from 14 different vintages, then assembled to produce genius. Yes, we adore this wine. Rich, creamy, powerful! Worth every penny.

We moved along to the 2000 Krug Brut. A bit young, but the 2000 vintage produced champagne that will drink well in the nearer future. The 2000 Krug Brut opened up quickly in the glass and is hitting on all levels. Rich, complex bouquet of orange peel, poached pear, honey, toffee (and subtle coffe aromas too). Brilliantly long finish. Put this one away for a few years.

Dom Perignon produces a bottling named 'Oenotheque' on great vintages. The 1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque has rested an extra 4 years on its lees in barrel before bottling. This gives the wine extra dimensions when compared to the 'regular' 1996 Dom Perignon. Not this it's necessarily better. Just different (ok...perhaps better!). This release is fresh, alive, hypnotic, full of gorgeous structure, and broad mid-palate, and an endless finish. A worthy succesor to the classic 1995.

If you are interested in any of these champagnes please call or email us.

Upcoming Thursday Tastings @ Renegade Wines:

August 8

September 12

October 10

November 7:
Our annual chardonnay & pinot event

December 12:
Annual Champagne Tasting

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New Arrivals:

Liquid Farm Chardonnay back in stock: Golden Slope & White Hill

2012 Regis Bouvier Marsannay Rose $22

2011 Poggiobello Colli Orientali Del Friuli DOC Sauvignon $18

2011 Forman Chardonnay Napa Valley $45

2011 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River $call

2010 Ramey Chardonnau Sonoma Coast $29.50

2011 Ecker Grüner Veltliner $15.50 (1 Liter Bottles)

2011 François Crochet Sancerre Le Chêne Marchand $34

2010 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge $360
100 Points WA

2001 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva $44

1998 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco Reserva $42