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 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 Description
The Story
With an exceptional ageing period on the lees of more than 10 years in our cellars, Castelnau Blanc de Blancs Vintage is created for gastronomy : the power of the aromas and a hint of iodine from the soil make a perfect marriage.
Comments of the Chef de Cave :
This characterful « assemblage » has been resting quietly in our cellars, acquiring wisdom and maturity.
Today it will surprise the taster with its haunting perfume and a rare freshness on the palate.
The rich creamy notes lend a nobility and a vivacity to the whole wine.
For a large part the Chardonnay comes from the Montagne de Reims and takes time, quietly, to develop and open up. Blended with Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs, the whole is more than the sum of the parts, and we see a superlative blend, rich in aromatic complexity yet keeping a youthful freshness.
100 % Chardonnay principally put together from the very di erent Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs base wines.
Description: This Blanc de Blancs vintage is a match made in heaven for expressive cuisine: the power of its aromas combined with a hint of earthiness makes it the perfect partner to many dishes. The bouquet is rich and complex: an explosion of flavours with hints of eucalyptus and aniseed which are accompanied by creamy autolytic notes. The palate expresses roasted almonds and hazelnuts while figs, candied lemon and biscuit notes combine to form an intense and lingering finish.
Food pairing: The elegance of this Blanc de Blancs goes beautifully with crayfish ravioli and a corral sauce, and with scallop tartare with truffles.
Vintage 2007
An unusually warm spring led to early flowering and initial optimism, which soon gave way to disappointment following one of the murkiest summers on record. Overall, 2007 was a difficult vintage saved by last-minute sunshine in late-August. Mildew and rot were the main culprits of the harvest, and the level of gluconic acid rocketed. The harvest began early, on August 24th, and was abundant in volume averaging 14,242 kg/ha. Pinot Meunier posed the biggest problems and Chardonnay clearly outperformed the rest. Many of the iconic prestige cuvée blanc de blancs were successfully produced, such as Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Ruinart Dom Ruinart, Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Louis and Salon Le Mesnil. Some blended prestige cuvées such as Louis Roederer Cristal and Philipponnat Clos des Goisses were also made. Champagnes from 2007 are typically high in acidity and restrainedly classic in style, but lack the spine and strength of the greatest harvest years. Even if the vintage only receives three stars, its best Chardonnays are well worth seeking and storing.