By: Jorge Ferraez

I need to confess. I’m not a fan of champagne or sparkling wines. Yes, shame on me! However, it doesn’t mean that I haven’t enjoyed a good glass from time-to-time. Anyhow, a very good friend shared a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal and once I tasted it, I wasn’t quite impressed. His facial expression said something like “Are you out of your mind??!!”. I was shocked and speechless. After a couple of days, I convinced myself that maybe that day my taste was not as sensitive. I went to my local store and got a bottle of Krug Special Cuvee champagne. I drove back home thinking “This is going to be it! You are going to start an affair with Champagne!” I chilled it to perfection and had a sip from the tulip shaped glass in the controlled environment of my tasting room, and to my dismay, my perception was the same! Nothing to be impressed of.

I know some champagne lovers would be thinking that I am an idiot for not appreciating some of the best champagnes in the world. But so far, my interest for champagne has only increased, and off I am to educate myself to be able to understand all the goodness, beauty and sparkling enchantment of the bubbles.

My good friend, Gustavo Aviña, chief wine grower at Pine Ridge Vineyards sent me a birthday gift, his delicious Oakville and Stags Leap District both Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from Napa Valley. As you can guess, I couldn’t wait long to uncork and discover fantastic fruit and concentration. But the best flavors came the following day, in my cellar, when I had another glass of the opened bottles. Caramel, leather, coffee and succulent ripe red and black fruits exploded from the glass with a silky and complex structure. What a great wine! Thank you Gustavo!

Pine Ridge Vineyards “Oakville”
Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: Napa Valley
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Price: $125
Aromas: Blueberry, Cherry, leather
Flavors: Chocolate, black berries, pepper, caramel
Impression: Powerful, yet delicate
Structure: Deep, concentrated, and well-crafted
Drink with: Grilled Steak, Carne Asada.
Why I loved this wine? Fruit explodes from the glass as you swirl.
My Rating: 95 pts

Chateau Pavie
Region: Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru, Bordeaux
Varietal: Bordeaux blend
Price: $160
Aromas: Dark fruit, chocolate, espresso beans
Flavors: Mocha, plums and minty notes
Impression: Explosive
Structure: Powerful
Drink with: Lamb, Pork Chops
Why I loved this wine? Distinctive with ever-evolving fruit.
My Rating: 94 pts

Arnaud Ente “Meursault” 2007
Region: Burgundy
Varietal: Chardonnay
Price: $45
Aromas: Vanilla and tropical fruit
Flavors: Pear, peach and white flower notes
Impression: Complex
Structure: Solid and balanced
Drink with: Whitefish, Shellfish
Why I loved this wine? Shows delicious brie/buttery notes.
My Rating: 92 pts

Champagne, Anyone? : Cellar

By: Jorge Ferraez