Memorable wines while ringing in the new year like a Tsar.

Magical night at the castle, working for the first time on a New Years Eve.  Was well worth it, tasting and serving some incredible french wines.  As I'm now taking time off to travel, work on a wine project and shred the epic snowfall on the west coast, I will miss the folks and extraordinary wines I had the chance to work with.

balloons, champagne, dancing...

Sommelier Luc Chevalier with the Imperial of Veuve Clicquot.

Opening this gigantic bottle was not so easy.  We resorted to the pliers, and then the corkscrew eventually striking wine.

Marcassin ''Blue-Slide Ridge'' Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2001- Was quite a sensation to drink, and everyone dug it being paired with the duck, fig and mache.  Very full bodied, sharp bright red fruits, nice acidity.  The best pinot noir I have had coming from the United States...

Domaine de la Romanèe-Conti La Tache 2000 -  Always a pleasure to be able to drink a DRC, whether you like them or not its a memorable experience.  This 2000 was aromatic and very clean, direct and clear in its delivery.  Those brilliant DRC red fruits coming out... Still holding back much complexity that will come in ten years.  For me it was no contest next to the

DRC Romanèe-Saint-Vivant 2001 I tasted the day before.  Romanee-Saint-Vivant has been described as ''a magical wine, rich, elegant, sophisticated and remarkably harmonious and complex''.  With age it is said to take on a nose of a wilted rose (une rose fanèe).

This Saint Vivant had aromas bursting out of the glass that were incredibly complex, irresistible and just plain delicious (it much helped having a proper burgundy glass).  Possibly the most enticing bouquet I have ever experienced in a wine.  Unfortunately I only tasted very little of the wine but it was extraordinary and very memorable.

the very large cork, coming out of the imperial (6 lt bottle)

Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 1988 - Label art by Keith Haring, New York City artist.  This wine showing some terroir love.  Deep dark fruit, but most of all strong mushroom, forest, and herbs all over the place.  Complex, Smooth, and drank beautifully the next day as well, not showing any flaws after 24 hours.  Watch Christelle open this monster on vimeo below...

Opening an Imperial of Mouton Rothschild 1988 with Christelle Cotar from croosadabilia on Vimeo.

The chateau d'yquem 1988 was straight gorgeous.

Was great poppin' a magnum of 2002 Cristal Rosè at midnight, but I was a bit disappointed and expected much more out of this bottle.
At midnight Christelle brought us out side scurrying over to release three balloons representing three wishes for the new year in french tradition.
Happy new years brothers and sisters!
drink well