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“Why do I drink Champagne for breakfast? Doesn't everyone?”
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Dear Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club Member:
 Wouldn’t you know it? Just when things seemed to be going reasonably well with our vinous partner, the LCBO, they snatched the proverbial football away once again.
Their French Boutique at the 275 Rideau Street store in Ottawa had been doing a pretty good job selling our wines including the 1er Cru Brut and 1er Cru Rosé Brut from Champagne Forget-Brimont. As you know, a new shipment of our favourite bubbly was cleared for sale about three weeks ago and I was puzzled as to why the store had not reordered. I called and here’s what I was told, “We are overstocked and have no place to put it, so we haven’t asked for any more.” Great Caesar’s ghost, the month of December is THE time to sell Champagne! And this after we had done a tasting with them, provided informational literature and promotional point of sale material.
We have asked the powers that be at LCBO control if they would make these Champagnes available by the bottle (as previously promised) via LCBO.com to ameliorate the situation. We’ll advise as soon as we hear back.
Another unrelated thing – we didn’t change the date on the label of the 2006 Vintage 1er Cru Brut in our recent Champagne Forget-Brimont bulletin. It is in fact the 2006 vintage. The ‘Wine Spectator’ rated the 2005 vintage in Champagne a 90, the 2006 a 93. It is marvellous and at the moment I write this there are just three cases of six remaining.
The Champagnes on Offer
To order the Champagne Forget-Brimont Brut 1er Cru, Rosé Brut 1er Cru, Extra Brut 1er Cru and 2006 Vintage 1er Cru currently available for immediate delivery at the LCBO, just click the very subtle ‘Order Now’ tags included at the end of the following product descriptions. Or, you can go to LCBO.com and insert the respective product number in the ‘Search’ box at the upper right.
If you would prefer, just send me an email telling me what you would like and I’ll be pleased to order it from the LCBO for you. Just let me know if you want it delivered to your door by Canada Post ($12) or sent at no cost to your preferred LCBO store (please tell me which one that is). Then send us a cheque or an electronic funds transfer (I’ll confirm the amount after ordering).
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Brut 1er Cru – 12.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product # 926617 $48.35/$290.10 for 6
This is great Champagne at a great price. The grape composition is 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay (all Premier and Grand Cru). A pale golden colour with a delicate nose of fresh green apples, white flowers and hazelnuts, it has a very fresh, deep structure and is well-balanced with good length. What a great way to start any party and also a wonderful accompaniment for white meats.
Here’s what Alison Napjus said about it in the December 31, 2012 edition of the ‘Wine Spectator’ – “Firm and focused by racy acidity, this is lightly chalky in texture, offering tightly knit flavors of ripe Gala apple, anise, black currant candy, fresh ginger and biscuit. Fine balance. $63 (wow, note the price – US$!!) – 91/100”. Robert Parker rated it a 90!
And, it costs much less than you would pay for regular mass-marketed Champagne. Here are some examples of the prices of ordinary Champagne currently available at the LCBO (not a 1er Cru in the bunch, let alone one with Grand Cru juice as well):
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Piper Heidsieck Brut
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$59.95
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Möet & Chandon Brut Imperial
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$67.65
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Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut
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$60.95
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Veuve Clicquot Brut
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$72.85
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Ain’t it wonderful when you don’t have to support all those expensive advertising campaigns?
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Rosé Brut 1er Cru - 12.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product # 926633 $53.50/$321.00 for 6
This is the Champagne for those most festive occasions. It is also an ideal apéritif. Its rose colour comes from adding a touch of red wine from Brouzy to the Forget-Brimont reserve cuvée. The grape composition is 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay (Premier and Grand Cru grapes only!). In the glass the beautiful light salmon colour provides an ideal backdrop for its steady stream of tiny bubbles.
Alison Napjus had this to say about it in the November 15, 2012 edition of the ‘Wine Spectator’ – “This offers lovely balance, a finely detailed texture and delicate acidity that focuses the subtle flavors of ripe plum, wild strawberries, and melon fruit. A hint of almond-tinged financier and mineral notes add complexity. $67 (note the price in US$!!) - 91/100”
At least $25 less than anything comparable at the LCBO.
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Extra Brut 1er Cru - 12.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product # 926625 $52.40/$314.40 for 6
This is really excellent apéritif Champagne in a delicate and refreshing style. Comprised of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, (all 1er Cru and Grand Cru grapes) this crystal-clear Champagne possesses delightfully persistent tiny bubbles. Aromas of white flowers, citrus, pears and honeysuckle carry through in the mouth. It is beautifully fresh and lively with a long finish. This lovely fizz would be a special treat with lobster, oysters or caviar. Decanter magazine gave it a Five Star rating. |
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2006 Millésime 1er Cru Brut - 12.0% Alc./Vol. LCBO Product #458835 $69.20/$415.20 for 6
The 2006 Champagne Forget-Brimont Millésime 1er Cru Brut is a true delight. The grape composition (all from the very good 2006 harvest) is 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay (1er and Grand Cru grapes only!). In the glass, the beautiful luminous golden colour provides an ideal backdrop for its steady stream of tiny bubbles. It has a complex nose of stewed fruits, toasted bread, hazelnuts, almonds and vanilla. A wonderfully mature, round wine with a silky finish, it would be perfect with chicken, foie gras or sweetbreads with morels.
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Note: The prices for the Brut 1er Cru and Rosé Brut 1er Cru are a bit higher than the last time we offered them due to the strengthening Euro to the Canadian dollar.
These superb, well-priced Champagnes are just perfect for Yuletide and New Year’s celebrations or for any time one feels like a treat. Know anybody planning a big (or little) event or who is a Champagne fancier? If you do, please pass this note on to them.
Many thanks and cheers!
Jim, Hélène and Kate
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.ofrance.ca
hbuisson@ofrance.ca
kwalker@arthursellers.com
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