I have the great fortune of belonging to a Champagne tasting group that meets quarterly. Several years ago, a group of friends started talking about forming one—and we talked about it for nearly two years until one day, one of the current members suddenly whipped out her phone and said, “We are booking this now; I am tired of listening to just talk!” Thank you, Melissa!

So, since August 2019, we have been having our get-togethers. Everyone in this group is an absolute Champagne fiend. Luckily, we have never had to suffer through an even slightly mediocre tasting. Yes, a couple of bottles have been corked here and there, but, amazingly it’s only been very, very, few—especially considering that we taste 15-plus bottles per meeting. This last one, a week ago, was another stunner. There were a lot of reappearances from “old friends” from our cellars that had been purchased at K&L. The 2012 Launois Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (once a Champagne Club pick) is holding up beautifully. Still crisp and mineral-laden but, the flavors have become buttery and golden. Hello, 2006 Henri Goutorbe "Special Club" Grand Cru Brut Champagne! Your acidity is brighter than ever, and your baked caramel flavors are great. Our “old time” customers (and employees!) will certainly remember the 2008 Michel Loriot "Apollonis" Vintage Extra Brut Champagne. It is still youthful and yellow-fruited with spice, earth, and minerals. Club member Donovan decided to go cheap and bring 2008 Pol Roger "Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill" Brut Champagne. Wow! It was extraordinarily rich! All golden fruited with cake batter, nutmeg, and a hint of citrus.

Laherte Frères Petit Meslier & Pinot Extra Brut Champagne $164.99 had lovely guava, minerals, white flowers, and kumquat aromas. While it is impossible to choose a favorite, the 2004 Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Alexandra" Brut Rosé Champagne that Rozita brought was magnificent. All orange marmalade, candied apricot, dark raspberry, and lemon peel. So, so memorable and delicious! This meeting also gave me the opportunity to taste wine from Champagne houses that I have not had before. Lilebert-Fils, Le Mesnil, L’Atavique, and Ruppert-Leroy. This is one of the things that make these meetings such fun. Add a kilo of caviar (thank you Vlad and Galina), smoked salmon, and a lot of cheese.... and you have a perfect afternoon!