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Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
The colour is pale green/straw. The nose shows biscuity Chardonnay aromas with touches of fresh fig, cinnamon and white tobacco. The Pinot adds hints of kirsch and mirabelle plums, underpinning the depth expected of a vintage wine. Long years of maturation have only served to refine these characteristics, delicately balanced by skilful dosage. The natural weight of the wine is lifted by the dominant overtones of the Chardonnay. On the palate, it is full bodied and round with all the vintage style of a typical 2000, finishing on notes of honey and crystallised citrus.
Food and wine matching:
Champagne de Castelnau Brut vintage 2000 makes a great aperitif. However, its honeyed tones go beautifully with sweet/savoury dishes such as lacquered pork and the more delicately spiced classics of oriental cuisine.
Blend:
50 % Chardonnay selected for its ability to age from the best chalk soil sites
21 % Pinot Noir
29 % Pinot Meunier
Vuosikerta 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.