2018 Roses de Jeanne / Cédric Bouchard Champagne Blanc de Noirs Côte de Val Vilaine

Community Tasting Note

csimm wrote:

91 Points

Thursday, May 13, 2021 - This needs a wee amount of cellar time in-bottle to fully come to its happy place. The flavors didn’t start to expand until the final sips after over an hour of air. Linear, with some red apple flesh and bruised lemon rind notes starting to emerge toward the end, but otherwise it lacks some personality right now. Try again in 2024+. 91+ points. Disgorged April 2020.

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8 comments have been posted

Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:

5/14/2021 7:05:00 AM - Totally agree. I'm finding that 17 Val Vilaine is more ready to go right now. Was wondering if it's vintage or 1 year that makes all the difference?
Comment posted by csimm:

5/14/2021 1:41:00 PM - I agree re: 2017. I think it’s a combo of both. I feel like 2018 for Champagne is like 2018 for white Burg (especially Chablis). It’ll be fine and all for quality establishments, but lacks some of the character 2015-2017 have. My favorite Val Vilaine right now is the 2015. I do feel like Cedric’s wines need time. He fashions them less like Champagne and more like wines to age. I’ve decanted his Champagnes and have found success there in terms of flavor expansion and breadth/depth. Anyway, I’m going to leave this vintage alone for a bit. The final sips gave good promise, but the majority of consumption, even with coaxing, made for an average performance at the moment. As Cedric’s prices elevate and his other top shelf Champs become more rare, I hope this Val Vilaine doesn’t become a more generalized wine (thinking of Realm Bard a bit here).
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:

5/14/2021 1:50:00 PM - I’m new to CB and was only turned onto recently by Keplinger and Kinsman. With some leg work & help from Lite, I now have a direct source for this hard to find grower Champagne.

Thanks for the comments my good man!
Comment posted by csimm:

5/14/2021 2:16:00 PM - Now THAT is a good connect to have if you can get any consistent access to his other Champs!
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:

5/14/2021 3:58:00 PM - We are going to take down all the 19's we can get our hands on. Have a great weekend CSIMM.
Comment posted by csimm:

5/14/2021 4:44:00 PM - I'll be trying to keep an eye out myself for them. Have a good weekend as well!
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:

5/14/2021 8:35:00 PM - When I get the call I’ll let you know if you want in?
Comment posted by csimm:

5/14/2021 8:59:00 PM - Absolutely. Without question. I’d very much appreciate it! Thanks my friend!!