Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/49694
Bubbles for the Holidays SPARKLING WINES ARE DE RIGUEUR throughout the holiday season to add festive sparkle to parties and meals. Here are a few of my recent favorites. Look for more on rosé champagnes and domestic sparkling wines in our combined January-February issue. Batasiolo 2003 Dosage Zèro Spumante Metodo Classico, Italy ($37) Lush, elegant and intense with great depth and complex, balanced fruit; ripe and tangy GIOWINE Champagne S. Coquillette 2006 Brut Champagne Millésime, France ($46) Stéphane Coquillette is a fourth- generation winemaker who runs his family's house in Chouilly as well as his own label, Saint-Chamant. This vintage offering is juicy, elegant, fresh and lively with tangy fruit and a long fi nish. MARTINE'S WINES 91 Bombay Sapphire East Gin, U.K. ($25) A brand new addition to the Sapphire line; smooth, creamy texture with vanilla, citrus and subtle exotic Asian fl avors of lemongrass and peppercorn (from Thailand and Vietnam, respectively); deep, fl oral and harmonious. BACARDI USA 92 Atlantico Solera Reserva Rum, Dominican Republic ($25) Medium amber color and a nice toasted nose; smooth and rich with toasted caramel and mellow spice; long and lush with lovely creamy texture. ATLANTICO IMPORT CO. 92 Técnico Añejo Tequila, Mexico ($43) Grassy agave nose; smooth texture but assertively rustic with earthy, spicy notes; fl eshy and with a lovely follow-through; one of the few añejos that retains an intense and charming agave fl avor; long and balanced on the fi nish. DOUBLE EAGLE IMPORTS december 201 1 / the tasting panel / 53 Schramsberg Vineyards 2008 Brut Rosé, North Coast ($41) A tangy California entry with lovely, juicy raspberry and lively acidity; elegant and racy with pure fl avors and a crisp fi nish. WILSON DANIELS Deutz NV Brut Champagne Classic, France ($41) Fresh and silky with tiny bubbles and lovely mouth feel; crisp and juicy, seductive and showing great fi nesse; long, deli- cious and classic; one of the best NV bruts on the market. MAISONS, MARQUES & DOMAINES Pol Roger 2002 Brut Rosé Champagne, France ($107) Tight and restrained with exquisite acidity and lovely focus; bright berry fruit, lovely refi nement and extreme elegance; long, pure and age-worthy. FREDERICK WILDMAN & SONS