The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's 50 best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
Wine Information
The wine
A blend of grapes from the 2004 harvest
• Pinot Noir : 60 %
• Pinot Meunier : 25 %
• Chardonnay : 15 %
Plus lots of care…
Average yield : 11,000 kg/ha (3.38 tons/acre)
Dosage
Several dosages are available for this blend :
Extra-Brut : 4.5 g/l of sugar added during disgorging
Brut : 9.6 g/l de of sugar added during disgorging
Style
Extra-Brut : The minerality and the palatability of this wine
come from the work carried out on the soil. Its fruit forward
nature add touches of pleasure and excellence.
Brut : Quintessence 2004 conforms to the style of the
other wines of the vintage : broad, well structured, precise
and long.
Serving temperature
Between 9 and 11°C (48-52°F)
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.