Baron Herzog Cellars Momentus sparkling white wine is a new addition to their lineage

Dan Cavanaugh, writing in Winesearcher, wrote that Pennsylvania State Liquor Board Control sells some wine cheaper than that sold in the private sector states. Although it is a mixed bag, oddly the biggest bargains are in French high-end, well known Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Top names in Cali are much higher, except Screaming Eagle which is 10 percent lower. Some of the differentials are extraordinary. Rather than write it, following is a website you may access. https://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=dcdetail&iid=245. Please read the entire paper, including ads first.  I do sincerely apologize for any misinformation, where it occurred. If you are too busy to read the link, please be aware that Delaware has the sixth lowest price, in USA, for Dom Perignon. I looked into the prices of various levels of wine. Those for us hoi polloi are generally priced higher in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, while the highest end are lower in many cases. As Mel Brooks said, “It’s great to be the king!” There does not appear to be any rhyme or reason for the variances.

On a slightly different but related note; the World Trade Organization just gave USA a win over EU on illegal subsidies for Airbus, a consortium owned by several EU members, including France and Germany. It appears U.S. response will be to impose a 25 percent tariff on wine, cheese, olives, fruit, and 10 percent on aircraft. If you are a buyer of these products, buying wine for the holidays now might save money. Always a better move would be to buy American. Historic evidence teaches trade wars are easy to institute but often cataclysmic to exit. 

Baron Herzog Cellars Momentus sparkling white wine is a new addition to their lineage lineup that will hit the shelves under $20, case/12 at $204. Barbara and I found it excellent. The niche, “Kosher off dry” was deficient in this price range. With high holidays and Chanukah fast approaching, and Passover in the Spring, check it out for a possible case purchase. It keeps well for those with restraint. In case some are unaware, Kosher is a process and a blessing. Contrary to pans by possibly prejudiced people it has little to do with quality. The Momentus cork was very tight and on pouring we learned the reason. Charmat process delivers sprightly, tiny bead, persistent effervescence, which nearly masked the bright, pale straw color and delivered the diverse fruit nose of lemon, peach, pear and fresh baked sourdough bread. Don’t sweat the “semi dry.” There is plenty of supporting acidity to balance the fruit and slight residual sugar. Those who prefer semi-sweet sparklers may wish to look at Herzog Jeunesse Belle Rouge around $15. I have not sampled any, but one of my go to people Gabriel Geller writes it as good QPR. Cherry red, semi-sweet sparkling wine. Aromas of candied cherries, strawberry jam, as well as ripe raspberries. The palate shows lively bubbles, with fresh, juicy sweet strawberries and cherries. Perhaps a split case will satisfy all levels of consumers at your holiday table.

Cantos di Valpiedra 2016 was sent for review. It would please those who enjoy 100 percent Tempranillo. Dark cherry red with purple rim, redolent of black fruit, with mineral and oaken notes. On the palate Tempranillo flavors are supported by mineral acidity that extends through a long, clean finish. 2013 rated a solid 89 points, around $15. The wine was recommended to drink in 2016. It still showed well when sampled. 

Be on the lookout for a sale on Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame 2008.  Madame Clicquot Ponsardin was the first woman to run a Champagne house. Assuming the reins when her 27-year-old husband died. She credited with major breakthroughs, creating the first known vintage champagne in 1810, and inventing the riddling table process to clarify champagne in 1816. In 1818, she invented the first known blended rosé champagne by blending still red and white champagne wines. This process is still used today by the majority of champagne producers. When I’m going upscale, I normally look to the “Old Lady.” The offer I saw was $140 with free shipping even for a single bottle. The 2008 was well written by most around 95 points. Nearly clear platinum colored with a beautiful sparkling mousse - nut aromas and acacia floral aromas. Its mineral acidity supports apricot, black currant, citrus and toast flavors, followed by a clean finish with hints of pie spice Like all top line Champagne this will continue to improve as long as the cork holds.