I love Champagne so when Jojo calls for lunch and offers to bring a couple of bottles of Champagne, I'm there.
Lunch was at Je Suis Gourmand with Jojo, Bernd and Noel.
Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 1985 - Copper-hued and no fizz. Dead, unfortunately. In the early 90s, this was widely available in Manila for the ridiculous price of about $25.00 equivalent. Rumor was that it was being smuggled in courtesy of the cabin crew of Philippine Airlines. It was so cheap, I was buying by the case and drinking Champagne anytime I felt like it. Now it costs about $ 150.00 and way beyond my budget. Judging by the bottle we had, I'm glad I finished my stock long ago.
Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 1990 - Medium gold. Gentle mousse. There's some obvious oxidative character but I like it that way. Mostly grapefruit notes. Lightish and lemony although it gains in depth as it sits in the glass. Good complexity. Very good now but if you have some, better drink it up.
Deutz Brut 1990 - Very light and fresh. Certainly doesn't seem like an 18 year old Champagne. A little abrupt on the finish. Tastes rather ordinary. Not too interesting and not a style I like.
Chateau Clerc Milon 1990 - Stinky at first. Good sweet fruit. Dried herbs. Very soft, elegant, lovely. Perhaps getting a bit tired and starting to decline but excellent for current drinking.
Chateau du Cayrou Cahors 1990 - We were expecting this to be still vibrant, what with Cahors' reputation for making bold wine. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. Strange, fishy nose as Noel put it. There were some weird orange notes as well. Hollow and definitely dead.
Dr. Loosen Beerenauslese 2006 - In screwcap. Ripe apple, very fresh, grapey. a lightish BA but refreshing.
