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Wine Description
The Story
The Terroir, the millésime, a rare Champagne in its loveliest manifestation.
The Grande Sendrée Cuvée takes its name from a parcel of land covered by cinders after the fire which ravaged Urville in 1838. A spelling error having slipped through in a new version of the land register, it is with an “s” that this cuvée is designated today. A reproduction of an 18th century bottle found in the Urville cellars is used and the Grande Sendrée undergoes remuage entirely by hand. Since the 1999 vintage it is also available as a Magnum.
Exclusively vinified in the great years, the Grande Sendrée gathers by its raw material and the techniques used, all our know-how for the elaboration of a great Champagne wine.
The oldest vines of the best parcels are harvested with particular care. After a tender pressing that extracts only the heart of the cuvée, vinification with little pumping and very little sulfur, will give wines of remarkable finesse.
Vintage 2004
A great example of how large yields do not necessarily mean poor quality in Champagne. As a reaction to the previous year's low yields, the vines produced one of the largest crops on record. The growing season proceeded without major difficulties but the bumper crop called for bud thinning. August brought about cooler weather and some rains, increasing the risk of rot. The massive crop, averaging 13,990 kg/ha, was picked from September 18th onwards. The quality was a pleasant surprise; vibrant wines with appropriate intensity, refined charm and refreshing lightness. This vintage impresses me more and more, and I feel tempted to give it the full five stars. It comes with a rare balance of freshness, lightness, yet fine aromatic intensity. Post-release, this vintage has proven to be slow to age, and elegant wines are likely to keep on ageing gracefully. Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer Cristal both excelled.
