Happy 2008 from PB, NW, and Billy here at the Wine Cask Blog. We are wishing you all the best.

To ring in the new year here, PB and I celebrated with a toast of Moet & Chandon White Star Champagne. that ran me about $40 and it is generally regarded as good Champagne. While sparkling wines abound (we had a $16 Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut sparkling white earlier that evening and it was nice), there is nothing like the sparkling wines from Champagne, France. There are many affordably priced ones generally available and many higher end ones available as well.

Here is what I thought of the Moet & Chandon White Star

Nose: soft flowery citrus, a touch of hazelnut.
Palate: brilliant tiny bubbles. Dry but not devastatingly so, eminently drinkable. Structured and evenly charactered.
Finish: soft and lovely

Overall, what sets that Champagne apart from other sparkling wines is its elegance. It is soft, not harsh, even, not overpowering, subtle, not walloping by the head.

However you do it, Raise a Glass to the new year!
Cheers!

Original post by Billy