Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives
So here is my wine review for the week of May 4th, 2009...
DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE LUXE 2002
Description: This is a sparkling wine. It can’t be called “champagne” unless it’s made in a particular region in France, but this is the same idea.
Domaine Ste Michelle produces a wide range of very inexpensive yet usually outstanding sparkling wines. Most of them are mass produced and not vintage-specific, but they always hold back some of their chardonnay grapes, age them extensively, and produce a Luxe bottle of most years. The 2002 was just recently released.
How and when I drank it: Saturday, April 25, 2009, at my house.
How to get it: Bevmo carries it in stores and online; The winery sells it online and a wide range of grocery stores carry the Luxe occasionally. The Domaine Ste Michelle line is found almost everywhere, so the Luxe should be obtainable.
How Much: The winery lists the bottle at $22
My Thoughts: I have said and written many times that I have been fortunate enough to taste and drink some of the finest sparkling wines on the planet, ranging from vintage Krugs to Cristal to Dom and yet, Domaine Ste Michelle continues to produce excellent wines for a shadow of the price. Luxe is their high end product and this is an exceptional year, the 2002. The wine is beautifully balanced, not just in flavor but in carbonation as well. Some sparkling wines exhibit too many bubble, but the body on this is exquisite. The initial flavors are fruity but not too sweet, ranging from pear to apple to a little honey, all of it controlled and contained, however. On the finish, the flavors turn to vanilla and oak without ever dominating the overall brilliance of the wine. This is refreshing, approachable, balanced and near perfect.
Overall Score: It never ceases to amaze me how certain wineries and winemakers are able to do for 10% of the price, what others can’t do as well. This is an excellent wine, not just for the price, but period.
DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE LUXE 2002 =  |
