Grape Wine Journey

Artist:Michael Raaum / http://www.michaelraaum.com

Maybe it’s the festivity spirit, maybe it’s the popping sound at the stroke of midnight or maybe it’s the thought of birthday candles waiting around the corner, somehow the image of my first Dom Pérignon lingers on.

Let’s turn back the clock for 9 years; the setting was the Picasso Restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas.  It was my birthday; we were all dressed up for the dinner. I was flipping through the wine list; and the only thing I wanted was the Dom. 

It was a special day in a very posh hotel, so it called for something special. 

"I am drinking stars!" / Artist: Gerard Puvis

The bubbles were smooth, fine and long lasting.  The taste was balanced and really yummy.   It was expensive though, but you only live once!

Dom Pérignon is the premium label of the Champagne House Moët et Chandon.  It is also the name of the Monk that perfected the method of making Champagne.  After WWI, the Champagne House re-established its market position in launching the premium vintage label Dom Pérignon. It was so successful that many Champagne Houses followed and introduced their own premium labels.

Domaine Chandon, Napa Valley

I haven’t visited the Champagne region yet, but I did visit Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley in the summer of 2008.  It was part of the Chandon family.  The sparkling wine was intended for domestic consumption.  The vineyard was very picturesque and there was an excellent French restaurant étoile on premise that one must try.  The tasting menu included the full collection of the sparkling wines and still wines, and the food was excellent.  The only restaurant we dined twice during our 4-day visit.

It was years later that I opened another bottle of Dom, 1999 vintage.  And the occasion ….. hmm…. just that I’m worth it!