2005 Thienot Champagne La Vigne aux Gamins

Community Tasting Notes (4) Avg Score: 88.5 points

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  6/18/2022 - WilliamMP Likes this wine: 92 Points

  92+ To anyone still in possession of a bottle or more, please give this time once you open it. At first it felt shy, delicate and, if I'm being honest, a bit of a let down.
  
  But after c.45 minutes in the glass it blossomed. Higher fruit concentration but matched by a harmonious, citric line of acidity. Fresh dough and white flowers on the nose.
  
  From a single Grand Cru vineyard in Avize, 100% chardonnay, sees 9 years on lees. The fruit quality is clear by how it has managed to hold onto its concentration without being overwhelmed by autolytic notes.
  
  Classy. Luckily I got two at c.£35 through an Amazon price bug.

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  10/6/2019 - Alex Barbera Likes this wine: 89 Points

  Etwas zu gefällig, zu wenig Spiel, ein Touch zu viel Süße

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  8/2/2018 - scyrene wrote: 88 Points

  I had this cuvée once before, over ten years ago, and though I didn't love it, it was memorable. Given how the RRP has soared since then, I never expected to get the chance again. But there was another of those serendipitous, inexplicable price blips - the day after I purchased it, the price dipped below £50 (and then back up to ~£75), whereas elsewhere it's listed for over a hundred.
  
  Very fine presentation in thick, rubberised card box, with embossed metallic lettering and magnetic closure; inside, there's a panoramic view of the vineyard, a map, and lots of information. Antique flask-shaped bottle, minimalist black and silver label.
  
  Opened with an uncontrollable pop, fortunately not much was lost. Lightish mid-gold colour. A very broad, creamy, rather mature nose, dominated by sweet caramel, a touch of mushroom, and perhaps a whisper of apple. A nice, sweetish palate with more caramelised orchard fruit and moderate acidity. A touch of bitterness on the finish.
  
  Surprisingly approachable for grand cru* chardonnay of just 13 years old. There's a note of confectionery that doesn't sit well with me, but it's fine overall. I definitely would not pay full price for this, though - I suppose rarity accounts for some of that. Bottle 1624 of 3614 produced. *Although 'grand cru' is not mentioned on the label, it is stated in the box text. [Composite cork + cage; 12% abv; Amazon, £51.36].

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  5/2/2018 - Vinum Deorum Does not like this wine: 85 Points

  I did not like this champagne at all, although I approached it with a positive bias. Strong taste of anise, hints of oxydation, a bit flabby and short. A major disappointment. The bottle was perfectly stored and came from the producer quite recently.

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