Just completed 4 days of hiking plus post hike recovery of 2 days. The health professionals talk about the necessity to keep up the fluid levels and can only wholly endorse this advice.
So as not to get too dehydrated we limited walks to 15 km for the day. Here is a quick overview of some of the fluids consumed

Diebolt-Vallois Prestige disgorged 3 years ago
25% 1995/ 50% 1996/ 25% 1997 - just entering peak form with some honey and nuts coming on the scene

Guy Vallois 1976 - very good indeed with time still ahead of it - typical of the warm vintage it is powerful stuff from the village of Cuis

Guy Vallois 1985 - this was brilliant with the
razor edged acid toughness of Cuis just round off but still provided great thrust and cut.

Pierre Peters 1996 ( std vintage)- this is still primary in flavour profile but one can see it closing in on the next phase of development. Just so pure and elegant a great drink.

Regis Fliniaux Rosé - not vintage declared but
a 1998 100% PN from Ay rosé done by saigné. This is redolent of red fruits. This is a cuvee that I had aged longer on lees and dosaged at a lower level (8%) than his standard rosé. For the price this is just scrumptuous.

Selosse Rose disgorged 2001 - what a great presentation and what a great wine. 10% Ambonnay, from a top maker, red added. Power and finesse in perfect harmony. Interesting contrast to the Fliniaux

Selosse Extra Brut disgorged 2001 - preobably his best value for money wine class white burgundy with bubbles.

Selosse Contraste 100% PN from Ay ( single vintage 1998 ) but not declared. Veruy interesting contrast ( not pun intended) to the rest of the Selosse range - firstly PN and made in a style to highlight the fruit rather than the
vinosity fruit/wood ageing of the CH cuvees.

Selosse Exquise - best demi-sec made.

1996 Vilmart Cuvee Creation - just lovely stuff with so much power and length whilst remaining elegant. This a will age for many years.

1996 Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime. Typically Le Mesnil-sur -Oger thrust and power with just a touch of wood treatment. Again we had this aged 2 years longer on lees before disgorging which I think was a plus.

1985 Rene Collard Rose 100% PMeunier - just such an interesting savoury wine.

Jerome Prevost Les Beguines ( 2000 - not declared) 100% V.V Meunier from Gueux. Works in collaboration with Anselme Selosse . Surely one of the very top PM champagnes made. Just fabulous with Japanese food.

Andre Clouet Rosé - Bouzy PN gives this great power - one of the most powerful yet harmonious rosés going around.

Andre Clouet Grande Reserve - not as terroir driven as many of the other wines but boy this is just so gulpable.

Heck this typing is thirsty work also, maybe some sashimi and Selosse Substance for lunch to farewell our friend, hiking companion and champagne enthusiast for another year.

Next week its back to the gym to prepare for the return bout in France.

Ian Westcott