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1998 Demi-Sec Reserve
Release Date: 2/22/08 Retail Price $: 32.00 Availability: 44 cases Production Notes Our sparkling wine is produced using the méthode champenoise. This traditional technique was developed by French monks in the 1700's and refined by the great French champagne houses. The sparkle or mousse is created by adding yeast and a small amount of sugar to a dry still wine and fermenting it a second time in this bottle. Extended aging on the yeast, or lees, allows for the development of the flavors and aromas typical of vintage Champagne. Oregon's cool climate is well suited to slowly ripening the grapes used in sparkling wine while maintaining their natural acidity. The 1998 Demi-Sec is made from 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot noir. This Reserve bottling was aged on tirage for 8 years before being disgorged in November 2007. Dosage: 1.5% sugar The 1998 Demi-Sec Reserve complements richly flavored foods, cheeses, and good company. It may be enjoyed now or aged for up to 8 years.
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Tasting Notes
I made a major change in the techniques I used to produce sparkling wine between 1997 and 1998. In 2000 , when I decided to stop producing sparkling wine, I was disgorging and tasting the 1996 Brut. However in 2002 when I tasted the 1998 Brut, I was so pleased with the quality and success of those changes that I set aside a small amount of the 1998 to do a late disgorged version.
It is finally time to release that wine. The 1998 Demi-Sec Reserve spent 8 years on the lees. It was hand riddled and disgorged in early November 2007 and will be released 12/10/2007. The nose is round with grilled brioche, nuts, delicate fruits, and cocoa aromas. Its mouth is exceptionally creamy with a soft mouse similar to French Crémants. For fans of tetes de cuvée Champagne, especially those with finesse and great detail, his represents my best effort. Finished slightly sweet, it will match with aged cheeses, charcuterie and patés. It is incredibly good with fine chocolates and truffles.