WTN: Jacquesson 730, Ridge Geyserville 02

Very short notes from my parents' wedding anniversary dinner at Elbert's Steak Room; probably Manila's finest steak restaurant.

Champagne Jacquesson 730 NV - We were supposed to open this on New Year's but somehow we forgot all about it. Very dry, medium weight. Fresh, yeasty, lemony. Citrus rind. Perfect now but seems like it can go a few more years without too much trouble. Outstanding.

Ridge Geyserville 2002 - Sweet nose, mocha, caramel. 14.6% alcohol isn't a problem for this polished, perfectly balanced wine. Medium weight, long, complex finish. Outstanding now but will surely develop more complexity with age.

Champagne Jacquesson 730 NV - We were supposed to open this on New Year's but somehow we forgot all about it. Very dry, medium weight. Fresh, yeasty, lemony. Citrus rind. Perfect now but seems like it can go a few more years without too much trouble. Outstanding.

Yes, a lovely wine, perhaps my favourite of the Jacquesson 7XX series. I believe this is mostly 2002 (which now sees huge hype...) and has more Chardonnay than the 728 & 729. I guess the increase in Chardonnay is one of the reasons why I loved this release so much: my tastes tend more toward BdB.

-Otto