Minneapolis Wine Club does Champagne

The final event of 2010 with the theme Champagne. The Mumm DVX stole the show however as it was an amazing find for $30 a bottle (only members at the event know where to get it).

My wine of the night was the 1998 Henriot Rose and the 1996 Henriot Brut both priced as low as $48 a bottle earlier in the year. Become a member of the club and you will find these special deals.

N.V. Louis Roederer Champagne Brut Premier - France, Champagne
Another good showing on this wine with apple pie, floral, lemon and minerals. A touch of sweet fruit on this one and a medium finish. A nice N.V. for $34. (91 pts.)

2001 Mumm Napa DVX - USA, California, Napa Valley
This is amazing stuff from the US with lemon, orange peel, chalk and minerals. It has a creamy texture in the mouth and medium finish. Very pleasurable and no flaws. (92 pts.)

2002 Louis Barthélémy Champagne Brut Saphir - France, Champagne
Nice wine but almost seemed like a Sparkling Riesling with grapefruit, lemon and minerals. On the palate it picked up some orange peel and dough character. Not a bad wine buy certainly not a WS 95. (90 pts.)

2000 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut - France, Champagne
A little disappointed with this one as it was no better than the N.V. I had 3 night earlier. Dark gold in color with yeast, floral, baked pie crust, and gold delicious apples. Medium finish and good flavors overall but lack acidity. (90 pts.)

1998 Henriot Champagne Brut Millésimé Rosé - France, Champagne
Myself and one other out of 11 liked this wine. Strawberry, pie crust, orange peel, floral and chalk notes. Not a big wine but more graceful. This should get better with age. (93 pts.)

1996 Henriot Champagne Brut Millésimé - France, Champagne
Another nice showing for this wine with dough, mineral, lemon, apple and good acidity. On the palate some candied fruit and really good mineral streak. Should improve with cellar time. (93 pts.)

2000 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon - France, Champagne
For the price I am not a buyer and this is really young but the Henriot Vintage from 96 is better and half the price. Chalk, orange peel, minerals, and dough on the nose and palate. There is a creaminess on the palate and has a medium finish. (92 pts.)
2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs - USA, California

Very nice and it is fun to see my wife like a Sparkler under $50. Lemons, mineral, spice and good acidity combine to make this an outstanding value for $25. (91 pts.)