Sparkling Wine Devotees Converge on New Orleans

Over the weekend of April 16th to 18th winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, consumers, and many others gathered in New Orleans for one of the biggest showings of champagne and sparkling wine under one roof in the U.S.: the first Independent Champagne and Sparkling Wine Invitational (ICSWI).

NV Jean Laurent Champagne, Blanc de Noirs Brut

This is a lovely glass of bubbles. When first opened it displayed a lot of lemon flavors, but after just a few minutes it showed far more complexity and depth. There was lightly yeasty well-browned toast, almonds, loads of pears and apples, pineapple and the original lemon coming through late. The finish is 20-30 seconds or more. Disgorgement date July 2008.

Wine for Haiti Lot 43 – 1988 Dom Perignon SOLD

Vine and Table Gourmet Market, in Carmel, Indiana, contributed this fine bottle of Champagne, 1988 Dom Perignon. Retail value is $300.00.

Wine for Haiti Lot 41 – a Fine French Sampler SOLD

The marvelous people from Cork & Cracker, in Indianapolis, contributed this amazing French set. It includes a bottle of N.V. Pierre Peters Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Cuvée de Réserve, a personal favorite, a 93-Parker rated Chateau St. Pierre 2003, and a 750ml Château Doisy-Daëne. Total retail value is $200.00.

Wine for Haiti Lot 42 – 2000 Roederer Cristal SOLD

This bottle was the tremendously generous personal contribution of Tim and Bev Gallagher, of Carmel, Indiana. The Gallaghers have done missionary trips to the Caribbean and had friends doing the same thing in Haiti during the earthquake. Tim and Bev, thank you. This will help raise money to help. Retail value is $230.00

Take Two and Call me After the Holidays

Opening a bottle of sparkling wine can be scary – here’s how and what to open.

N.V. Cedric Bouchard Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut Inflorescence Val Vilaine

Well worth the money, an undeniably special bottle of bubbles.

Champagne Wishes

Champagne can soothe the soul and ignite romance. From the moment the cork issues the familiar pop, Champagne fuels excitement.

N.V. Pierre Peters Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Cuvée de Réserve

The color is clear light golden straw, and bubbles are tiny. The nose is rich and yeasty, fresh-baked bread and buttered toast, with light delicate citrus (key limes and a hint of pink grapefruit) and lychee. The mousse is full but delicate. The fruit on the palate is key lime and a touch of sweet [...]

A Doughboy France: A Palate Press Veterans Day Tribute

This story comes from the war diary of my grandfather, Archie Brick, one of the first Americans in Europe in World War I. It is the story of every American doughboy, as told in one man’s diary.

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