1998 Argyle Extended Tirage Brut

I had a glass, or two, of this last night and I would say that it has improved from the TN above. It still possesses many of the same characteristics, but I found it to be very balanced throughout, with a very good finish. It seems to be in its sweet spot right now.

a local shop is closing some out for $49, worth it or pass?

quote:

Originally posted by jorgerunfast:
a local shop is closing some out for $49, worth it or pass?

At that price, personally, I would pass. I would buy a NV Champagne instead. Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve comes to mind.

Never been impressed by the Argyle Extended Tirage series. I consistently find the basic Vintage Brut to be better and a heck of a lot cheaper. For $49, I like gigabit's suggestion of an NV Champagne and the NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve is always good and usually a decent amount under $49 too.

quote:

Originally posted by Brad Baker:

Never been impressed by the Argyle Extended Tirage series.

Agree.

I also agree the the Charles Heidsieck Reserve is consistently good, and still under $40 here in my market.

I was planning on cheese & crackers tonight, so perhaps I'll open another and see if anything's changed.

quote:

Originally posted by mneeley490:
I was planning on cheese & crackers tonight, so perhaps I'll open another and see if anything's changed.

Perfect...

Same notes as above. I did notice that it seems to take on a sweeter flavor right after a bite of brie.

quote:

Originally posted by gigabit:
I had a glass, or two, of this last night and I would say that it has improved from the TN above. It still possesses many of the same characteristics, but I found it to be very balanced throughout, with a very good finish. It seems to be in its sweet spot right now.

I opened another bottle last weekend in Phoenix with friends, tasted from bordeax glasses, and it seemed more aligned with gigabit's opinion. It was loosely paired with bacon-wrapped scallops done over the bbq grill. I would have given that last bottle a 93. I wonder if there's some bottle variation or maybe the larger glasses? Odd that it's from the same batch. If they've just hit their sweet spot now, I think the last two will bite it during Thanksgiving.

quote:

Originally posted by gigabit:

quote:

Originally posted by jorgerunfast:
a local shop is closing some out for $49, worth it or pass?

At that price, personally, I would pass. I would buy a NV Champagne instead. Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve comes to mind.

+1