Tuesday 10 September 2013

CLOS DE GOISSES 2000

You have no idea how long I have been sharpening my clause to taste this wine. Since I am about to write about it, it is more than obvious that I have already tasted it and had a full bottle on my own. It also marks a milestone in my Champagne drinking existence due to the fact that the list of Champagnes I have not drunk has been reduced to a few that are left. Those that remain on the list are Veuve La Grande Dame Rose (any vintage), Krug Clos d'Ambonnay and Clos du Mesnil. The first I am very enthusiastic about, of course aware of my potential disappointment but at around £270 a bottle I think I can bear the disappointment. With the latter two that is a different story. As much as I would like to taste them I am more than reluctant to spend £2500 for Clos D'Ambonnay especially because it is Krug. And for Clos du Mesnil? The £400+ may not really be that big an issue but what amplifies the scale of the 'issue' is purely the fact that it is Krug and not exactly has Krug had an untarnished record with me.

But back to Clos de Goisses; I cannot say I was overwhelmed by the wine. I liked the woody character, delicate texture and balance were just as expected; One fine champagne.

That's all.

I will try it again especially the 2002 and 2004 vintages.

:)

CUVEE DOM PERIGNON 2003

'I have said once and I will say it again...' the problem with DP is the fact that it is DP. Is that bad? or is that good?

I am so beyond the good/bad bollocks. Yes my exasperation is beyond belief but it still does intrigue me to see how much I will like something.

My hype about DP has always been, to put it midly, practically non existent. Perhaps to show off, but never really felt the urge to taste it the minute new vintage came out. And naturally, it goes without saying that to celebrate 10th year of TICD, DP was not even considered as a possible candidate. 

But so it happened that 2003 release was the only thing available that was remotely worthy of the day's celebrations and since I had tasted my first DP when they released 1993 vintage, it made sense to justify it. So I coughed up the odd £100 and got a back up too.

I wondered what it would be like, given the spec of the vintage and not to mention the fluff from the brochure included in the box. The reality of it was typically simple DP. Slightly duller (naturally due to the very high sugar content of the grapes and no surprise that the base wines were acidified which in Champagne is quite controversial, not illegal yet hotly disdained amongst all Champagneois even though some practice it in secret).

The wine as such was a typical mellow DP with rounder finish and short longevity, a nice overpriced and overglorfied lemonade to which I can get used.

:~)