Claiming the impressive feat as the region's oldest cooperative, Champagne Collet was born out of a tumultuous time, essentially as a response to the infamous Champagne Riots of 1911. With seemingly endless disputes between individual growers and larger producing companies over pricing fairness, fraudulent activities and regional boundaries, some 850 growers banded together to establish a house built on craftsmanship, authenticity, and total respect for their terroir, based primarily in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ. By 1936, this valiant movement was seen as an instrumental component behind the creation of the Champagne AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée), which to this day continues to guarantee only the highest production standards and assure that all cuvées are crafted from fruit picked solely in the region.
Representing the excellence of only the very best harvests, the Millésime series is always one of the house's star pupils, and for Champagne Monday this week, we hone in on the now final bottles of the forward and fleshy 2014 vintage! A season characterised by early budburst, a relatively cool dry summer that was then followed by a notably warm September, it led to bubbles of bright acidity and ample structure that in the best examples, now twelve years on, sit in a delicious middle ground of rich ripe citrus, creamy lactic notes and bold minerality. This one certainly feels a pinot-esque creation, making up 60% of the blend, and an expressive roundness to the mouthfeel that packs some punch (eight years on lees in their century-old chalk cellars before its disgorgement made sure of that!)
It is a joy to behold at its current age, and with its more lavish developed structure, will pair well with heavier sauced dishes like lobster pasta, roast quail, veal tenderloin or creamy mushroom risotto. The estate have recently moved onto their current Millésime release in the 2016, so we've grabbed hold of the final cases available of this beauty, and recommend wholeheartedly to those who love a bit more weight and thrust to their bubbles!
Bottles lying in wait within Collet's deep chalk cellars, carved beneath the hillsides Aÿ upon their founding in 1921. Impressively, the cellars have since been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Champagne Collet Millésime 1er Cru 2014
$135 on special this week ($159 RRP)
// 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay (12 Premier & Grand Cru villages)
Aged on lees for over eight years in century-old chalk cellars
8g/L dosage
"Fluid and luminous pale yellow-green colour, with deep lemonyellow highlights in the glass. Aromatically, a pastry universe embodied by notes of caramelized and grilled hazelnut and almond, fresh butter, with notes of fruits like apple and quince. When aerated it evolves towards aromas of bergamot, linden, candied lemon, blackcurrant, raspberry, with hints of toast. On the palate, frank and fresh with a creamy and melted effervescence. Pulpy and coated fruity matter sustained by an acidity reminding those of lemon. The finish reveals concentrated and savoury matter, raised by liquorice and toasted bread aromas." - Importer Notes
"Medium brassy straw yellow colour; nutty meringue and some sherry-like aldehyde on the bouquet; bright and zesty on entry, the palate full and rich, ample and makes a statement. A full-flavoured wine with plenty of aged character, the finish lip-smacking dry and crisp. A bolder, more pinot-esque style. And very impressive, especially on the palate. Enjoy now to 2029. " - 95 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
If you wish to purchase this champagne, please use the link above
Otherwise, if you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special price valid until Monday the 18th of May