WTN: Vilmart Champagne Cuvee Rubis Rose NV

I enjoyed lunch at Prince Albert last week so much that I took my wife to dinner there tonight. Naturally, I had the prime rib which is what the restaurant is famous for. As my wife doesn't drink a whole lot, I brought just one bottle, a Rose Champagne which I thought would be weighty enough to match with the beef.

A rather dark rose. Fresh, and a great deal of crushed berries - strawberry, cherry and raspberry. Deep and rich, with considerable weight. Very approachable but perhaps still needs a bit more time as it seems rather primary with fruit as the dominant character. This has enough density and flavor that it made a great match with a prime rib with horseradish. Try again in 2 years and see if it gets more complexit but excellent now. I'm tempted to get a couple more bottles.

15% still Pinot Noir with the sparkling component 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay.

I've had this a couple of times, never knew it had a still component in it. It's expensive for a NV here, about 80 USD. On the other hand, all NV Champagnes, all Champagnes, are especially expensive is Israel, even though the smaller producers are relatively decently priced - but not this one, being a Rose and all.