**N.V. Moutard Champagne Brut Grand Cuvee - France, Champagne
(12/31/2004)

This was the house pour at an event I attended for New Years Eve.

Clean, but fairly unexpressive nose, with bits of spritzy apple and
maybe a little hint of nut. Hard to get anything more. Mousse seemed a
little large in mouth, with wine's whole impact lacking cut. Flavors on
palate were simple apple. If I hadn't seen the label, I might have
guessed an Andersen or Green Valley sparkler, but one without the
generosity of Roederer Estate or the cut of Iron Horse. Fine for
toasting, but not a buy.

I was disappointed, because I've been wanting to try the cuvee Arbane
from Moutard. This wine, however, makes me think I should be looking
somewhere else to satisfy my curiosity.

Jim