Drinking Krug Clos du Mesnil 2008 and then this Les Roises 60 mois within about a week of each other - I was really honored to be closing out 2022 like this…
Of course it’s 100% Chardonnay from a single vineyard with a base of the 2016 vintage, it has spent 60 months on the lees and was disgorged 16 February 2022.
I see a lot of people talking about decanting this, especially if it is young. As we were 5 people sharing and got about 1½ glass each I can follow this line of thinking if using a very tall and narrow decanter. Would be interesting!
Nose was very aggressive and reductive at first, but it opened up more with some air. Quite delicate even after opening up. Green apple, asian pear, meyer lemon, butter, brioche, greengage and some gunpowder.
Now the palate is where this champagne truly shined… Wow. Green and red apple, asian pear, meyer lemon, butter, brioche, toast, roasted nuts, dried fruits and a bit of ginger spice. On the finish there’s quite a green touch with some toffee caramel and gunpowder lingering as well. Sexy saline and chalky minerality.
Such a beautiful oxidized touch to this while being so extremely fresh with an intense, crisp and sharp citrus and green fruit acidity. So much weight and power on the palate - it’s like it’s expanding in the mouth and tickling every little taste bud. Just marvelous craftsmanship.