The Story
This Blanc de Blancs cuvée of incomparable purity is based on Chardonnay, mainly from the magnificent vineyards of Trépail and Villers-Marmery.
These Premiers Crus from the Montagne de Reims area, recognised for their elegance and freshness, are blended in a perfect accord with delicately fruity Chardonnay from the Côte de Sézanne.
This crystalline champagne exudes subtle aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and almonds. Fresh and silky on the palate, it unrolls with finesse on beautiful mineral notes that are typical of these chalky soils.
Vintage 2000
A warm and wet winter was followed by an equally wet spring. First, in May, came the seri- ous heat, which gave a fast owering around June 14. Chlorosis and mold growth were evi- dent. June and August were hot and dry. But if you were like me, and tried to have a July vaca- tion in Champagne that year, you noticed how cold and rainy it was. The weather was almost as bad as at home, with constant rain and local hailstorms.
Everything looked hopeless, but the good weather during harvest saved a decent amount of fresh grapes. Harvest started on my birthday—September 11—and ended in early October. Chardonnay and pinot meunier did better than the delicate pinot noir. The year will become sought after thanks to their magic number. The quality does not look too fancy yet though. The wines are quite light with short lives. However, it is a very enjoyable moment, with its intense exotic aromas of passion fruit and tangerine. I am delighted to recommend some romantic bottles of the successful pink trio William Deutz Rosé, Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé, and Pommery Cuvée Louise Rosé.
by Richard Juhlin/