2004 Ariston Aspasie Vintage Brut Champagne

If you like cheesy leesy fantastically integrated Champagnes ,this one is for you!! At $40 you will be blown away.

Each year (since 1974), my wine tasting group (Wednesday Night Fatally Flawed Palates) end the year with what has become a traditional pair of tastings; our annual Champagne tasting and our Port/dessert 6000 calorie tasting. The overall winner of this year’s Champagne tasting was this Gem from Ariston, which has just arrived. Lush yeasty, nutty, creamy tones erupt from the glass, while in the mouth you will be treated to an amazingly complex, full flavored, viscous, well-structured Champagne that shows a brioche, sour dough bread quality, yet with excellent acidity. This is an absolutely wonderful Champagne that should not be missed and will be our house Champagne for however long it is around, according to the The Bean. 12.5% ABV (Jim Barr)

It's all about those 6 years of aging on the lees. Rich, delicious notes of brioche, pain grille, hazelnut, baked apple, caramelized baked apple, and yet, delicate and incredible classy... Need I say more?

This is serious Champagne as well as being seriously good Champagne. The extended lees time adds depth while the minerality gives focus and drive to the wine. I am forever impressed with the quality of the Ariston wines.

Ariston makes some of the staffs favorite champagnes. This 2004 was a delight to try. As the notes mention, this wine went through full malo in stainless steel barrels and then was aged six years on the lees! All that leads to a well balanced wine wine acidity, depth and a little weight. The estate fruit shines throughout.