TWA is proud to cooperate with Domaine Wine Cellars and David Pan, author of Les Bulles, the definitive pair of volumes on Champagne, just released this January, and BTW, only available in Mandarin, not in English.

Just a few weeks ago we wound up David’s advanced program on Champage, having worked through 30 precisely selected cuvées to illustrate essential points of terroir and house style, varietal expressions having been covered already in the entry-level program.

Today Domaine opened 24 new offerings, many from familiar brands but some new ones too.

Better get started trying them before the prices go up. I hear that plunging allocations and skyrocketing transportation costs will soon bring an end even to Domaine’s famously reasonable prices, especially if you’re drinking on premises.

I am a diehard lover of Blanc de Noir expressions from the Montagne de Reims, and I started with 6 of those at table 1, including the legendary Eglit Ourier Grand Cru NV. But I must admit that today the Blanc de Blanc selections were all more entertaining, with fruit notes high in the back-palate and finishes that wouldn’t quit.

An impressive sampling from Côte de Bar illustrated their signature minerality derived from the vein of Kimmerigian fossil-filled soil that emerges in this southern region of Champagne.

The crowd was well seasoned with graduates of David’s CHAMPAGNE CONNOISSEUR programs, and everyone had a great time. Domaine offers only a xiajiu menu, so it was no surprise to see that some veterans had brought take-out sushi to go with their Champagne.

Special thanks to Sa and Ryan, Delphi and all the Domaine team for putting on a great show.