Sipping on 2008 Cristal on back deck to celebrate solstice.

[JimHow]

My favorite time of year.
This wine is a 100-pointer.

[marcs]

Is it too young or more ready to go?

[JimHow]

Singing. A nose to die for, perfect balance on the palate.
I have 17 more bottles.

[Blanquito]

Yes, those bottles of this we had in March at the BD’s champagne reception in Bordeaux were memorable!

[DavidG]

Your note conjures the memory of your hotel room in Ft. Lauderdale back in February filling with the aroma as soon as you popped the cork on one.

[JimHow]

It’s an amazing champagne, David, seems so forthcoming now but clearly has great depth for aging.

[JimHow]

...

[Nicklasss]

Spectacular Champagne. I remember the bottles you brought to Washington DC, earlier this year. Saline, fruity, slightly exotic, perfect balance.

Nic

[jckba]

Jim, nicely done and generally speaking when you post a bottle shot it should be of the champagne and not the water bottle but on the bright side, at least your picture appears the right side up

[Chateau Vin]

I think this 08 champagne vintage was lost a bit in the glory talk and the popularity of the 02 vintage...

[JimHow]

The nose on this wine is astounding.

[jckba]

Much better.

[sdr]

The ‘08 Cristal is indeed outstanding and drinking well already. There’s more to come however and to me at least will truly blossom in 4-6 years. I wouldn’t argue with anyone who suggests it’s the finest Cristal of the century although the ‘02 is a strong contender and the ‘04, ‘06 and ‘07 have their charms. I’m not a fan of the ‘09 though and have not yet tasted the ‘12, which is getting rave reviews.

The old ones from the ‘90s were mostly very enjoyable too, especially the ‘95 but all of them are beginning to fade except for the ‘96. These older vintages were higher in sugar and the fruit, while delicious in an easy way, was less pure and focused than recent vintages.

Now as for the Rosé, that is in another stratosphere. Sad that it’s so rare and expensive.

Stu

[stefan]

2008 Crystal is already great. You did well to stock up on it, Jim, as it should be excellent for a long time.

[dstgolf]

Jim,

Was that what we tasted in Ft Lauderdale?? Delicious regardless. Nice to see you enjoying on the back deck.

[JimHow]

Indeed it is, Danny.
Happy Father's Day in the great nation of Canada*!

When I have great champagne experiences like yesterday, I get these mini obsessions to get more Champagne in my cellar. Blanquito, can you direct me to any K&L preferences?

*My second favorite country, can you guess my first?

[Racer Chris]

I have bottle of Roederer Estate Anderson Valley NV in my fridge, closest I'm getting to Cristal anytime soon.

[JimHow]

I'll bring one of my 17 bottles when we do a BWE New England dinner, RC, when the virus is over. It's a beauty, trust me.

[Gerry M.]

I'll bring one of my 17 bottles when we do a BWE New England dinner, RC, when the virus is over. It's a beauty, trust me.

I'd definately look forward to that! I only have a poultry 13 bottles now and only hope its enough, lol.

[Winona Chief]

Sitting on the deck and sipping 2008 Cristal on a nice Summer evening - what a wonderful time.

Chris Bublitz

[JimHow]

Hope you and Marjorie come on up soon, Chris. I'm assuming Baxter will open at some point this summer.
Nothing like sipping Champagne on the back deck on a lazy summer late afternoon in Maine!
Maybe we can coordinate it if/when the man from Quebec is allowed into the country.

We're gonna do a BWE New England when this nightmare is over, Gerry...