Four Champagnes

Laherte Freres Brut Tradition Champagne

Approx. $35.00

This champagne is golden yellow in color, providing a darker hue than many champagnes I have tasted.  The bubbles are small and in great multitudes, a hallmark of good champagne.  I was very impressed with how long the bubbles lasted in the glass.  White flowers are present on the nose.  There is an explosion of tingly bubbles on the tongue when ingested and the taste is quite clean.  There is a little sourness on the back palate which is persistent, but not in a bad way.  This sourness simply adds to the complexity of the champagne.  The finish is long and leaves the drinker quite satisfied.

Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne

Approx. $32.00

Henriot has been quietly building a reputation for themselves in the world of champagne.  Most unfortunately, as happens from time to time, this reputation for excellence did not cross over into tangibility in the bottle I opened New Year’s Day.  The champagne is a beautiful pale yellow, with maybe a touch of green.  The bubbles where much too large and dissipated quickly; which was quite disappointing and unrefined.  I found the palate all too clean; it seemed to me that just was not enough flavor.  I am a big fan of understatement when it comes to champagne, but this particular bottle just seemed to be lacking.  Due to this lack the finish was short, almost non-existent.  The label on this bottle is beautiful.  The neck of the bottle is covered in suns and moons making a very attractive display.  What it all boils down to is a bottle which is beautiful on the outside but inadequate on the inside.

Paul Goerg Brut Rose Champagne

Approx. $35.00

Paul Goerg has been one of my favorite champagne houses for a few years now.  I really feel that dollar for dollar Goerg produces a stunning product that can hold its own against much more expensive bottles.  This rose is salmon pink in color and is pleasing to the eye.  It has elegant small bubbles that give a pleasant sensation on the tongue.  The taste of yeast and grain are very apparent in this champagne and it is complimented by a red berry flavor that owes its origin to the Pinot Noir skins.  The champagne is perfect with or without food and, while I drank it with dinner on New Year’s Day, would make an excellent Valentine’s Day beverage.

Louis Barthelemy Pink Brut Rose Champagne 

Approx.  $40.00

Louis Barthelemy is a small champagne house and their bottles are not widely available in the United States; however, if you can get your hands on some it is definitely worth it.  Their Pink label is a rose that is almost copper in color.  The champagne has a multitude of tiny bubbles which bring a great deal of life to your glass.  The palate is extremely clean and refreshing with hints of sweet fruits and wild flowers.  I would go so far as to say that drinking this champagne is like drinking in a summer breeze.  There is a little toastiness in the finish which leaves a taste of brioche lingering in your mouth.  Truly, this bottle was a pleasure to drink.

A note on glassware:  I was given six Reidel stemless flutes a month back and have been using them whenever I open a bottle of bubbly.  I have been quite pleased with them and really enjoy the difference in aesthetic they provide on the table or bar.  They are also great for washing in the dishwasher!  I have also owned for some time a few of the Reidel “O” Pinot Noir stemless glasses.  I would highly recommend the entire Reidel “O” stemless line.