Wine of the Week: 1999 Tarlant "Rosé Prestige"

Just because it's almost 2011 doesn't mean you can't still party like it's 1999. Of course, this time around you don't have to worry about Y2K or any other millennium fear-mongering, all you need is our Wine of the Week, the 1999 Tarlant "Rosé Prestige" Extra Brut Chamapgne ($79.99).

Champagne Tarlant is an exceptional house in the Marne Valley, established in 1687. Their vines are planted to a combination of limestone, chalk, sand and pebbly soils, which lend the wines their distinctive character. The 1999 Rosé Prestige is a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir, and it smells like summer--something all of us could use a little of after all this rain and snow. Strawberries, cherries and muskmelon dominate the nose and palate, complemented by a subtle hint of roasted almonds. Its mousse is wonderfully delicate, carrying pearls of minerals across your tongue. Try it with oysters, paté or other charcuterie. It would also be delicious with traditional Italian cotechino and lentils or black-eyed peas and greens.

Happy New Year!

Leah Greenstein