Bait & Bubbles - Tomo Sushi (North Austin, TX) (2/2/2008)

With the occasion being the birthday of a friend of ours, and with her favorite wine being Champagne, it was decide to convene at Tomo last night to celebrate. Those of you who live in Austin, Tomo is not to be missed. This was the first time I've been to Tomo, but my impression was that the Sushi is at least as good as that of Uchi. It's also got a cool, urban feel to it, which is a little switch from the ordinary. My understanding is that the chef at Tomo used to work at NOBU in Las Vegas. On to the wines.

• 1979 Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Cramant, Champagne
  Seems like I liked this better than others at the table. Interesting toasty hazelnut and honeyed notes. I rather liked this. One of my favorites of the night.


• N.V. Krug Champagne Grande Cuvée - France, Champagne
  I have no idea what the disgorgement date was for this Grande Cuvee, but it was my favorite of the night. None of the other Champagnes delivered the same complexity, finesse, and power all wrapped into the same bottle. Just have to love this.


• N.V. Michel Arnould & Fils Champagne Grand Cuvée Brut Grand Cru - France, Champagne, Verzenay, Champagne
  Very solid Champagne. In the general style of Krug and Lallement as per Gary Westby (K&L Wine). As good as it is, I found a slight taste of residual sugar, and that was a deduction in my mind. Still, for the price of $35, this is a very good bottle of Champagne.


• N.V. Egly-Ouriet Champagne Brut Rosé Grand Cru - France, Champagne
  Another Champagne I really liked. Very dense and meaty Chapagne with rose petal flavors and aromas but also crisp and racy acidity in a very dry style. Loved it.


• N.V. Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siecle Brut - France, Champagne
  This was my 2nd favorite of the night. Lovely mousse and super dry palate with great acidity, minerality and weight. I would buy this myself.


• 2003 Domaine de Montille Beaune 1er Cru Les Perrières - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
  And we finished the evening with this beauty to accompany various Sushi. And what a great pairing this was. This wine was so deep and layered, and went so well with the Sushi, it was stunning. Still seems a little primary, and the hot vintage is definitely on display, but I would buy this again and again.