“Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking champagne.”
– Oscar Wilde, Irish playwright and novelist

Dear Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club Member:

Two of the luscious, premier cru bubblies from Champagne Forget-Brimont have been released by the LCBO just in time for the holiday season. These ain’t no ordinary, run-of-the-mill fizzes. Nope, they’re much better than that. They are crafted from about 75% Premier Cru and 25% Grand Cru grapes grown in the finest parts of Champagne. But the great thing is that they are priced like other producers’ regular stuff.

The Champagnes on Offer

To order the Champagne Forget-Brimont Brut 1^er Cru and Rosé Brut 1^er Cru currently available for immediate delivery from the LCBO, just click on 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).

Brut 1^er Cru – 12.0% Alc./Vol.   LCBO Product # 926617                 Only $47.05 the bottle

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 1^er Cru in the bunch, let alone one with Grand Cru juice as well):

Rosé Brut 1^er Cru - 12.0% Alc./Vol.   LCBO Product # 926633         Just $52.15 the bottle

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”

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. If you don’t, may I offer you my deepest sympathies?

Happy Holidays!

Jim, Hélène and Kate
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
www.ofrance.ca
hbuisson@ofrance.ca
kwalker@arthursellers.com