Birthday Champagne!
My colleagues, Erik & Chris, took me out for cocktails and dinner at the Spanish tapas restaurant La Bodega. Amazing food!

Then it was back to my local haunt, JP Winebar, for some real French bubbly. It was my birthday after all!First, a bottle of the Laurent-Perrier Rose Brut, an elegant wine that admirably showcases the beauty of Pinot Noir in a sparkling wine.

Champagne Laurent Perrier Rose Brut is pale red-orange in color with bright acidity and light tannins. Medium/full in body, it offers aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, biscuit, cinnamon toast, and mint. Aged at least 4 years on its lees, it is complex and elegant, with a lingering finish.
I follwed that with a bottle of the Perrier Jouet 1996, a delicate fresh champagne. Its deliciously rich while remaining light, full of fruit and very elegant.

The colour is a greenish-gold, reflecting a magnificent, crystalline brightness. The wine presents an intense, strong effervescence, with fine and regular bubbles.

A reflection of the seasons, with soft notes of white flowers, honey and lemon married with the aromas of fresh fruits of plums and pineapple.

The flavour confirms the richness of the bouquet; initial freshness, light but strong and lively, with some subtle notes of honey and vanilla.

"The harvest is sometimes so outstanding that Perrier-Jouët decides to make a vintage Cuvée Fleur de Champagne. 1996 was one such year, when the quality of the grapes signalled a remarkable harvest from the outset. All the art of champagne making went into keeping the house style while bringing out the exceptional character of the year." - Perrier Jouet

Now - don't you wish you were there? I know Erik does!