Been stalking the forums for many years, finally joined not long ago. First tasting note.
Originally purchased for my 30th birthday (which is next week), I unexpectedly found myself signing for two new locations of my restaurant business today and decided to open it early.
Rich, honeyed golden hue. On pulling the cork I was pleasantly surprised by a greater than expected pop. I don’t have deep experience with older champagne, but this beat out both the Krug and Dom Perignon I’ve had that were late 90s and early 00s vintages on that front.
Immediately hit by strong aromas from the bottle, it is powerful, almost overwhelming, in the glass. Hazelnut, rye bread, brown butter. Truthfully at this juncture I worry it will be heinously oxidized and unenjoyable given how dark and potent the nose is. Thankfully, the palate reveals there is life here yet. Dried stone fruits, creme brûlée, and brioche galore. Wonderfully viscous mouthfeel and a finish that lasts seemingly forever. Just enough acid and structure remaining to leave me desperate for more. Carbonation fades fairly quickly, but I don’t miss it all.
As I mentioned before, my experience with fully mature champagne is limited. However, of those experiences ('98 P2 DP, '00 Krug, '95 Krug), this is by far the one I’ve enjoyed the most. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I ran straight back to Cellar Raiders site to see if the other bottle remained only to be crushed it wasn’t. This is a high I’ll be chasing for awhile. If anyone has a bottle waiting, I’d recommend popping into it.
Actually a burgundy stem from Kimura. I quite like them because of the shorter stem - aesthetically perhaps less striking than a full height stem, but functionally I find the balance and handling more enjoyable.
