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Wine Reviews

Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives

So here is my wine review for the week of December 17th...

SPARKLING WINES FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE 2007

Description: As the end of the year approaches, many people begin to consider what to drink to celebrate. Issues of cost, flavor, and quality all enter in to the decision of champagne and/or sparkling wine. This week’s wine column is about those you should try, buy and pursue:

SCHRAMSBERG: The only sparkling wine made in California in the true “champagne” style, most of the Schramsberg wines are top notch, though pricey. Look for an excellent 2003 Blanc de Blanc which is crisp and fruity and runs about $35. Also, the 2004 Brut Rose is an outstanding wine for those that like their sparkling wines less sweet but still fruity. This is my wife’s favorite and is a great mass-appeal choice if you don’t mind the pink color…it runs about $40.

VEUVE CLICQUOT: Widely available at stores from Bevmo to Costco, I have found Veuve to be a very reliable high end French champagne. Their brut wine is always solid and can range from less than $40 for non-vintage bottles to upwards of $200 depending on the year of a vintage you choose. They can all be counted on.

POMMERY: One of the best, less known champagnes on the market and easily found in almost any store that sells champagne. A great bottle can be found for just $25 and is always a hit. We buy this stuff by the case.

DOMAINE STE MICHELLE: I have always recommended the full line of Domaine Ste Michelle sparkling wines not just for their value (they all average $12 per bottle) but for their legitimate taste. I think it is an excellent sparkling wine, found almost everywhere. At last count, they were making 5 different varieties that I know of;

BRUT: Traditional & balanced; not too dry, not too sweet.

BLANC DE BLANCS: This is the most dry, least sweet version

BLANC DE NOIRS: This is the pinkish hued, sweetened with strawberry and similar flavors.

EXTRA DRY: The sweetest of all, loaded with apple and sweet cream flavors

FRIZZANTE: Quite honestly, I think this is just another version of the extra dry. It’s a sweeter champagne with great flavor.