I hosted the Dorks last weekend for this annual summer tradition. It was a smaller-than-usual group due to Father's Day obligations elsewhere, but we had more than enough wine and I pulled some reds for sitting around the fire pit later. I believe there were a few others--but these are all the bottles that remained at the end of the night. Sketchy descriptions because I didn't take notes.
NV Gosset Champagne Grand Rosé Brut Champagne Blend
My bottle, 5th of 6 purchased Jan '22. Even though the night's theme was Anything But Champagne, I trotted this out as an opening ringer hoping it would set the bar high (it did) and tease my guest, the retailer I bought it from--he'd planned to buy them himself, but I got there first on his day off. Pretty tawny rose color, fine persistent pin-prick bubble, flavor of dry rose petals with a little toffee, long finish. So good nobody wanted to follow it. Memorable!
2020 Weingut Salomon Undhof Zweigelt Brut Nature Kremstal
Pleasant light fruit and minerals, decent texture, nothing wrong here but nothing especially compelling either.
2022 Argyle Brut Rosé Dundee Hills Champagne Blend
I got over Argyle years ago but this bottle suggests it's worth another look. A 95/5 Pinot/chardonay blend, it has a very definite POV with something attractively exotic/perfumey along with a hint of cactus pear on the midpalate. Everybody liked it and was surprised by the reveal. That it's this interesting and only $25 at Costco is a good surprise.
2019 Hugel Crémant d'Alsace Extra Brut Pinot Blend, Pinot Noir
Bright yellow with bigger, loopier bubbles that lacked a persistent mousse, would have expected better from Hugel. Might have spent too long on a retail shelf.
2018 Analemma Wines Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir Atavus Vineyard Columbia Gorge
One of the night's best, #2 behind the Aldinger. Spot-on champagne wannabe for flavor, texture and finish. Gorge-eous!
2020 François Chidaine Montlouis-sur-Loire Méthode Traditionelle Brut Chenin Blanc
Ash's. I've had Chidaine bubbly before and this time, like the other times, my first thought was Cava because of what I'd call a sharp, almost bitter sweetness on the finish. Didn't hate it but would never have gone back for another glass.
2023 Domaine Grosbot-Barbara Brut O France Gamay
Interesting! Took us awhile to zero in on Gamay. Had a slight background funk that reminded of nasturtiums (if you've ever made nasturtium vinegar, you know). Not my favorite thing but likeable in spite of that.
NV von Winning Riesling Extra Brut Pfalz
In this company, pleasant but not compelling. Just a tad ripe/sweet.
2017 Weingut Aldinger Brut Nature Württemberg Pinot Blend, Pinot Noir
My bottle. First comment was, "Wow, this is some serious shit!" Indeed, and it's a Blanc de Noir (can we use that term if the wine's not real Champagne? CT's data base doesn't include it but it's a pinot/chardonnay). Outstanding depth, concentration, persistence, and finish--belongs up there with the French marque names. It has it all. WOTN for most.
2020 La Frenz Aster Brut Okanagan Valley Champagne Blend
Best BC bubble I've ever had. Pale, almost white, with a fine bead that practically attacks your tongue, creamy yet assertive. Sadly they do not seem to have made another bubble since this one.
NV Patrick Bottex Bugey Cerdon "La Cueille" Methode Ancestrale Gamay
Pristeen with youthful fruit leaning toward watermelon and in spite of having been in my garage fridge for over 15 years. A perfect ending to go with a bowl of fresh local cherries.
