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Easter Holiday Champagnes
France
Tasted April 20, 2009 by Russell Faulkner with 562 views
Introduction
A few thoughts on wines drunk by Sema and I on our 10 days holiday in France
Flight 1 (11 notes)
White - Sparkling
1996 Jacquesson & Fils Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Avize
90 points
No oxidation, young and clean if a little pressed, needs depth and body to midpalate, not improving but a nice wine
White - Sparkling
1998 Larmandier-Bernier Champagne Special Club
85 points
Again no oxidation but almost stalled, fresh and slatey depth but little development
White - Sparkling
1990 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année
96 points
Very clean, young, no nutty or mature signs until the last sip which showed some caramel, excellent
White - Sparkling
2001 Pierre Péters Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée Speciale Blanc de Blancs Les Chetillons
89 points
Light in colour and body, crisp mineral element, clearly less substance than normal but a solid wine
White - Sparkling
1996 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année
96 points
Shining red fruit, full of ripe redness, quite restrained power with softness, excellent
White - Sparkling
1996 Gosset Champagne Brut Grand Millésime
95 points
Much lighter in colour than the Bollinger, more floral, very high quality chardonay, quite oily texture, very concentrated
White - Sparkling
1996 Jacques Selosse Champagne
96 points
Crisp full lemon, coconut shell, the oak still quite to the fore, some fleshy density, not obviosuly low dosage but keen, I suspect this is hiding its stuffing still.
White - Sparkling
1996 Pol Roger Champagne Vintage Brut
93 points
Fully of creamy meaty pinot on the attack, luxurious.
White - Sparkling
1996 Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé
88 points
Rich gold, showing as mature, but without oxidation or decay, very full body, sweet and sour plums.
White - Sparkling
1996 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon
97 points
Immediately reductive, but packed with candied fruit, very light on its feet but full of verve. The only 96 that feels too young to drink.
White - Sparkling
1996 Jean Laurent Champagne Millésimé Blanc de Noirs Brut
92 points
Nose screams fresh dough on opening, fabulous fun. Big bold ripe fruit, with a strong line of acidity. Vibrant but smooth.
Closing
Then a quick trot through Champagne, where it was great to meet Brad Baker over a light dinner and a glass of Billecart-Salmon rose (from half bottle - with a fully agglomerate cork (no discs)).
Then a days quick buying visits to Lilbert, Diebolt-Vallois, Peters, Selosse and Vilmart. Will post some thoughts on that later.