A snazzy Champagne to commemorate a much hoped-for outcome: Passing my WSET Level 3 course with Distinction! We snuck into the bar in the early afternoon to savor the sweet, sweet taste of success.
Vibrant medium lemon in the glass with amazing clarity and many slow, finely distributed bubbles.
Aromas of fresh and candied lemon, brioche, Biscoff cookie, light caramel, baked apple, almond, and grapefruit zest.
On the palate, tons of dried orange peel, orange marmalade, Scotch whiskey/butterscotch, lemon curd, chewy dried apricot, Roma apple, grapefruit pith, and a bit of coriander seed. Medium-plus acidity with barely detectable sweetness (5g/L dosage) that builds in the mouth and complements its bitter fruit rind and toasty notes. Long, creamy finish with candied lemon, red apple skins, and toasted hazelnuts.
I have not (yet) had the opportunity to taste much vintage Champagne, especially of this age and quality. What stood out to me with this bottle was the richness of the mouthfeel (despite the low dosage), mature red fruit, and a pleasant, persistent bitterness. At 20 years old, it’s led by dried fruit and the acidity is faltering maybe just a bit. But it’s still drinking incredibly fresh, due in part to all the citrus zest and the fine bubbles that coat the tongue like a static charge.
60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir all from the 3 Grand Cru villages of Aÿ, Cramant, and Avize. Aged minimum 11 years in cellar.
Bottle: Pommery “Cuvée Louise” Brut Champagne Millésime (2005)
Variety: Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Noir (40%)
ABV: 12.5%
Suggested retail: $220
My rating: 9.2
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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