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Wine Description
The Story
Dosage: 8 grams/liter of sugar MCR (moût concentré rectifié or concentrated grape must)
Terroir: Only grapes grown exclusively on our estate are used in our wine. Our vineyard is cultivated according to the regulations drawn out by viticulture raisonnée practices. This refers to sustainable and reasonable agriculture practices which avoid chemical use in the vineyard. The house has been given the certification of Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) or High Environmental Value.
Elaboration:
-Manual Harvest
-Quality certified pressing (4,000 kg pneumatic press)
-Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperaturecontrolled stainless steel vat, which helps preserve the individual character of each terroir
Tasting Notes: The 2012 Special Club is of a light golden color, characterized by tiny, lively bubbles. This effervescence expands luxuriously throughout the glass. Scents of white flowers, almonds, and brioche are the first to present themselves. Over time, honey, anise, and fresh fig take form. On the palate, the champagne is round and ample sharpened with a wonderful cut of acidity. It is delicately wooly on the tongue, softened with hints of almond and cream. This vintage of Special Club is perfect to kick start any meal, though it would also be heavenly with a fish in a butter/cream sauce.
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.
