The Six Months of Christmas

One enjoyable thing about having friends and family scattered across the country is that come Christmas-time, presents start appearing on our doorstep at random intervals, some without previous notice. It has seemed more like Hannukah at our apartment, with many days of presents instead of one day-to-end-all-days of gift-giving. And we have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated each and every special arrival.

One of the more exciting presents to show up on our doorstep, especially when it comes to this blog, was a Styrofoam encased pair of champagnes, courtesy of the future hubby’s parents. They actually purchased a “champagne of the month” type deal for us, wherein we will receive not one but two champagnes each month via airmail for the next six months. A Christmas present that lasts until June! We couldn’t be happier.

While we wanted to wait until Christmas to try our enticing new bubblies, we quickly realized we did not possess that kind of restraint. You should see what happens to freshly baked cookies. We consumed both bottles in the span of one weekend, but were sure to savor every duty-free drop. And while we enjoyed both bottles because we didn’t have to bemoan the possibility of paying too much for them, we were sure to remain as objective as possible while writing reviews, in case some of you out there are not lucky enough to receive some fizzy libations as gifts this season.

The first of our December pair that we tasted was the Pol Clément Rosé Sec ($13). This blushingly pink wine was extremely fizzy out of the bottle, just bursting to fill our glasses and tickle our noses. As per its name, it has a lovely pinkish-amber hue that made it hard to drink; we didn’t want to tear our eyes away. It had a very full flavor that was not as sweet as expected, but certainly not dry. The top notes were light and flowery, with a verdant aftertaste that blended with a nectary finish. While the harmony of the flavors wasn’t quite perfect, this wine didn’t offend. And it was just playful enough to disappear before we knew it.

And before we forget, Merry Christmas! Break out the bubbly, spread the joy!

Score: This was a three all around, with some slight reservations.

Recommended: Considering the price, you could certainly do worse.

Welcome to the Big Time

(Full disclosure: this actually happened back in September. Since I'm writing the review, it's not getting posted until now. Yes, I know.)

Special occasions call for special champagne. It's as simple as that. And when the special occasion happens to be a 1-year anniversary....well, that needs a really special champagne. I mean really special.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame Brut 1998 ($180). Yes, a champagne that was born back when I was still in high school. I mean, think about it for a second: this champagne waited 12 years for us. Think of how far this bottle of champagne has travelled in those 12 years! And after all that, after everything this bottle of fizzy grape juice has gone through....it ends up with us on our 1-year anniversary. Isn't that amazing? What are the chances?

Before the actual review, I have to mention the dinner that accompanied our special champagne. The missus made Fettucine Alfredo - with homemade sauce. Watching all the butter, cream, and cheese going into this stuff actually made me feel a little bad about eating it. I mean, geez....it's basically liquid fat. But OH MY GOD IT IS SO GOOD. I can't even describe it. Easily the best pasta dish I've ever had. No exaggeration - it was really that good. And yes....I totally ate more than I should have.

But now on to the star of the show.

I think we mentioned on here before that when a champagne is really good, there's not much you can actually say about it. Well, we pushed ourselves! Trust me, it wasn't easy....because this champagne isn't just good, it's amazing.

The smell is wonderful - delicate, slightly sweet, very clean. It smells meek, light. Then you drink it, and realize it's the exact opposite! Big flavors. Gigantic, bold flavors. It's so rich, you almost start to feel like it's thicker than regular champagne. It coats your mouth. It's like caramel, fruity with a dark sweetness. It kind of has a musk about it, but in a really good way. Not like a musk ox. Then you swallow - which is actually a little difficult. I'm serious, the longer you keep in in your mouth, the better it gets! But once you finally get around to swallowing, you realize it has that perfect "dry but not too dry" finish. Know what I mean? It's just right. And the flavors linger long afterwards....it's amazing. It sounds overly dramatic, but drinking this champagne is really an experience.

Score: a unanimous 5. There's no question about it. When you drink this, you're drinking champagne for real.

Recommended? Without a doubt. Yes, it's expensive - but it's worth every single cent. I can't stress that enough. If you've got a special occasion coming up, seek out a bottle of this stuff. It's like liquid heaven.