NV Cuvee Traditionelle Brut
56% 2007, 24% ’06, 10% ’05, 8% ’99 and 1% of ’94 Pinot Noir. I know, there’s a missing
one percent. That’s polysorbate-80, for freshness. Disgorged 1/10; this is surprisingly
good on so many levels, so close after disgorgement, so much ’07; it’s fine, detailed and
distinctive, cool fruit and expressive chalk. It’s balanced on the dry side, so a nice aperitif
or starter-course wine. A long and blatantly chalky finish. Show this to someone
who insists you can’t taste the chalk!
Violet and hyacinth aromas make you
think of Riesling (as these wines often do), but the palate is all
apples and Rainier cherries with a chalk-powder sprinkle; wonderfully
silky and generous, refined and accurate. A virtual Blanc de Blancs; 90%
Chardonnay to 10% Pinot Noir.
Wine Details
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Region/Appellation | Montagne de Reims |
| Alcohol | 12% |
| Color | White |
| Still/Sparkling | Sparkling |
| Special Features | |
| Bottle Size | 375ml |
| Varietals | 90% Chardonnay/10% Pinot Noir |
| Wood Treatment |
Tasting Notes
Notes of ash, chalk and crushed rocks dominate this taut, focused Champagne. Medium in body, the wine reveals tons of clarity not to mention significant pedigree. - Wine Advocate, 90 Expressive, pungent bouquet of spicy peach and nectarine, complicated by gentle baking spices and sweet butter. Open-knit, fleshy pit fruit flavors are supported by gentle acidity and finish with good breadth. This would be a good match for full-flavored, spicy foods. - Tanzer, 88
