The Denver Wine Group gathered for one of our increasingly frequent tastings on Friday. Mr. And Mrs. mbansek graciously hosted the group for a sit-down dinner preceded by a blind champagne tasting, and followed by a blind petite syrah tasting. mwood also contributed his “unfair share” by bringing a series of hand-prepared sushi rolls, sliced on-premises. Thanks to all!!

The tasting notes for the 5 Champagnes follow and were ranked as noted below. It should also be mentioned that only two Mrs.’ were present for the tasting; the absence of Mrs. mwood, Mrs. FreetheGrapes, Mrs. davidandrose, Mrs. BentheWineBerg and Mrs. wineismylife, visiting from Houston, undoubtedly had some impact on the voting, and certainly kept the conversation less lively. In any event, here’s the Champagne notes and ranking.

#1 NV Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut – Every person give this either a 1st or 2nd place vote.
Medium to light effervescence, apricot nose and flavors with the sweetness of a sparkling Chardonnay.

#2 97 Iron Horse Brut – Light straw coloring with a light effervescence. Honey on the nose (our Texan visitor noted sorghum) with lychee nut. A Bartlett pear taste was evident in the background, accompanied by a strong granny smith or macintosh apple flavor.

The next two contestants were both true champagnes from the highly acclaimed 1990 vintage. Both had a very similar nose, with a “funky” up-front aroma that was too strong for many and likened to flat beer. Both had deeper straw/yellow coloring than their counterparts and honey aromas and flavors

#3 90 Nostalgie Brut received 2 second place votes with additional scents of clover and dessert wine, and a green apple flavor.

#4 90 Perrier-Jouet received 1 first place vote and was noted for its gentle effervescence and honeysuckle.

#5 91 Domaine Chandon received no votes and may have been corked. It had a pleasant color and apricot nose, but a yeast-like flavor that tasted like wet cement (who sampled any of that recently?) with a slightly sour finish.

I haven't tried it, but friends of ours were very impressed by the Iron Horse.

David, I take exception to the statement that I am from Houston. (Nobody tell Winetex I said that).

But it's a compliment.... LOL.

After 18 bottles for 9 people, I'm lucky to remember that you're from Texas. (You are, aren't you??)
Glad you were able to come on out. Look forward to seeing you at another event soon!!

By the time we got half way through the Petite Sirahs I didn't even know where I was from.