Festivities will begin at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 20th and the total cost for everything (food, wine, taxes and gratuities) is $125 per person. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to call (416) 977-1287 and book your reservations as soon as you can. If you would like to sit with other guests, please let Bodega know. They will ask you for credit card details when you book. You can find out more about Bodega at their website (www.bodegarestaurant.com).
Here are the wines you will be tasting:
1er Cru Rosé Brut – Champagne Forget-Brimont
This lovely effervescent wine is made from the traditional Champagne grapes - 40% Pinot Noir; 40% Pinot Meunier, and; 20% Chardonnay. While classified a premier cru, almost a third of the grapes are actually grand cru. It is a blend of the 2003, 2004 and 2005 vintages. Michel Forget makes wonderful Champagnes that have been a hit with our wine club members. Take a look at our May 2006 issue of ‘Selections’ to find out all about Michel and Champagne Forget-Brimont.
Here is what Bruce Sanderson said about it in the October 31 issue of the Wine Spectator: “Fruity and open, but also fresh and tangy. Flavors of citrus peel, berry and spice play off one another as this glides to the chalky finish. Drink now.” Score – 89/100
2007 Rosé “Les Sigillées” – Domaine la Croix Chaptal
A full-bodied yet subtle rosé made by the saignée method. It is a beautiful vibrant pink and is made from 60% Grenache Gris, 35% Carignan and 5% Syrah. Twenty percent is aged in new oak. Yields are less than 40 hl./ha. This red wine lover’s Rosé has full, rich aromas of strawberries, raspberries and other red fruit along with a hint of citrus which carries through to the nice crisp finish. This is a very serious rosé that will keep for several years and will go well with pork, ham and Oriental dishes. Declared a ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert.
2005 “Cuvée Charles” Rouge – Domaine la Croix Chaptal
This is a truly great wine from a great year. Made from equal parts Syrah, Carignan and Grenache, it is unfiltered and rested in oak barrels for a full year. The yield is only 32 hectolitres per hectare. It is deep ruby with aromas of raspberries, black berries, wild brush, vanilla, toasted coffee and fine spice. It has elegant, complex tannins and a long, lingering aftertaste. It will age brilliantly for many years. Serve with roasts, game and grilled red meat. ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert; the Wine Spectator rates it 90/100.
2007 Clairette de Languedoc Blanc - Vieilles Vignes – Domaine la Croix Chaptal
Made from old Clairette du Languedoc Blanc, the grapes are all hand picked and destemmed, pressed and left in contact with the skins for a very short time. It receives traditional vinification on its lees (28% in new oak and 72% in stainless steel tanks). Total production is only 8,000 bottles. A full-bodied, fresh and very clean white wine with tantalizing aromas of butter, toasted bread, almonds and citrus fruit. Very smooth, it finishes with a nice citrus aftertaste. It is a great wine to drink alone as an aperitif and will go well with shellfish, fish in white sauce or soft cheeses. It is drinking well now and will evolve to a hazelnut taste in a year or two (it then will go well with white meat accompanied by mushrooms in a white sauce), and later to walnut (then it will go well with a whole range of cheeses). Declared a ‘1er Grand Vin’ and given five stars by Guide Dussert-Gerbert.
2005 Les Terrasses du Larzac – Domaine la Croix Chaptal
Like all of Charles' wines, Les Terrasses du Larzac grapes are hand picked. It is made from 55% Grenache, 40% Carignan and the rest Syrah with yields between 35 and 40 Hectolitres per hectare. It undergoes a short aging period on oak. This is a fruity, dark red wine with aromas of cherry and coffee with a touch of spice. Ready to drink now, this little treasure will go well with both white and red meats. The Wine Spectator rates it 88/100
2005 Clairette Blanc Vin Doux – Domaine la Croix Chaptal
This delightful sweet wine is made from botrytis-effected old vines Clairette grapes. Aged in new oak barrels, it has aromas of prunes, raisins and honey that persist in the mouth – full and unctuous. This is a perfect companion for foie gras, blue and goat cheese, most desserts and any sweet/salty dish.
We do hope you will be in town and be able to join Charles, Huguette, Hélène and me for a most memorable evening. Paul Biggs and his professional team look forward to serving up a very special experience.
If you know anyone who would like to partake in a very special event, please pass this note on to them.
Many thanks and cheers,
Jim & Hélène
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
hbuisson@ofrance.ca
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