Description
"This beautiful champagne is an example of what 'blending' is about - which is the essence of champagne. It has a base wine from 2013 – a great vintage – especially for chardonnay (best chardonnay since 1982, in my opinion!), and the chardonnay component of this champagne is 50%, with the other half being pinot noir – for which this House is famous. They are in the Côte des Bars – next door to Burgundy, and thus proud of their pinot noir. The other years in this blend are 2012 back to 1995, and also includes the famous 2002 vintage. These back vintages make up 40% of the blend, and the wines comes from their perpetual solera blend, stored in large oak casks. The wine has a golden hue with persistent bubbles - displaying power, finesse, refreshing acidity and great sophistication . Some mandarin blossom, mingled with golden oncidium orchid, cymbidium orchids & vanilla pod appear on the nose, and are very enticing. There is layer of soft spices – especially cinnamon sprinkled over delicious golden baked apples, yellow nectarine and dried apricots. Flashes of red currants, raspberries and tangelo are intermingled as well as a mineral layer – showcasing the fact that part of the wine did not go through malolactic fermentation. This is followed by a layer of nuttiness – especially hazelnuts - and some touches of meringue which balances with the persistent mousse. Only the cuvée of the pressing is used – but for this House – it is the Coeur de Cuvée – which is the 'heart' of the cuvée - the very finest part. The dosage is 7.5 grams per litre. There is power, length, balance and creaminess – which adds to the persistence & elegance of this champagne, which has such poise & distinction, as well as rich intensity, finesse & lively acidity. This magnum is indeed a blended masterpiece!" - Bernadette O'Shea, Champagne Consultant, The Wine Emporium
