2002 Alain Thienot Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut La Vigne aux Gamins - France, Champagne (8/20/2020)
This is the estates top bottling. This is a cuvee which the estate tries to make every year (although they skipped 2003). This is a single vineyard wine sourced from 60 year old vines on a small 1.25 acre parcel in Avise (near Oger) in the Cote des Blancs. 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru. Only 250 cases produced. Pale straw color. From the excellent 2002 vintage. This has really filled out since I last had it 6 years ago but still youthful. Solid bead. Doughy biscuit notes with candied apple and pineapple. Full bodied and a creamy texture. I think this is at it’s peak and showing wonderful depth and graceful aging. Drinking absolutely great. 97 points.
VM