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Wine Description
The Story
A new release from the Pommery private reserve is apt to arouse a whole host of emotions. All vintages are stored in magnums, a method guaranteed to preserve and enhance flavour while the champagne rests 30 metres underground in the famous chalk cellars. Alain de Polignac has a special formula for these magnificent vintage cuvées: a blend of Pinot and Chardonnay; only Grand Cru vineyards; attention to detail; champagne disgorged (removal of yeast left over from secondary fermentation) as late as possible and minimum amounts of "dosage" or added sugar.
Winemakers remember the 1981 vintage for its tiny harvest. The quality however was magnificent. Biting and crisp, this lively, concentrated champagne combines both body and finesse. The magnum comes in a wicker basket with a small booklet showing the date the champagne was disgorged.
Vintage 1985
Severe winter temperatures and spring frosts did great damage, leaving many in the region unhopeful of a good year. The destruction was excessive especially in the northern Montagne de Reims, in the hillside vineyards west of Reims and in the Aube. The early summer weather did not raise the hopes, but finally fine September weather came to the rescue and yields ended up being better than feared (albeit tiny, 6,827 kg/ha) when picking commenced on September 30th. Champagnes from 1985 are typically beautifully balanced and intense with great length and character that is still improving today. Dom Pérignon, Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie and Blanc des Millénaires, Krug Vintage and Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque excelled, to name a few.