Base 2008, disgorged June 2020. Simply put, this is a fantastic Champagne. I think it is so wonderful because it expresses both the fresh, lively effervescent side of young Champagne, with the deep, toasty, nutty, vinous side of aged Champagne. This wine is a base of 2008 blended with an older perpetual reserve (not sure of the percentage of each). To be fair, I didn’t go into this blind, but I believe I can taste the relatively younger component of the wine that is lively and energetic. I can also perceive a deeper, darker, toasty component that, while in the background, provides support and resonance. A truly masterful blend. This will age, but by already including aged components, I believe the blender intended this bottle to be opened sooner rather than later. So if you have hands on one of these, pop the cork, you’ll be mightily rewarded!
A different wine than the one I had a few months back (2016 disgorgement?) but the notes are pretty similar. Definitely a rich and oxidative character along with nice fruit and loads of freshness/energy. A real treat for a not crazy price.
The entire line up is excellent and very affordable.
I drank many of these and it always pleases.
They’re as you described young; very nice wine. They age well too. Here’s a TN from a bottle last summer that was probably disgorged in the mid-90’s that turned out to be one of my WsOTY.
Cheers,
Warren
Just popped the cork on another one of these tonight. Not sure of the base or disgorgement date on this. I bought it from Zachy’s at last year’s Black Friday sale. I’ve had a few of these in the past, and they have never been short of excellent. But this bottle was a bit of weird experience. It was fine, but had a rather strong vinegary component that really interfered. It was odd bc usually I associated acetic flavors with wines that are too old/over the hill, but this tasted fresh enough but with that unpleasant white vinegar overlay. It was drinkable, and ok with dinner, but it wasn’t the nice experience that I’ve had in the past. Wonder if anyone has had this experience before.
Had many bottles of the 1911, and never an experience like that.
I’ve also bought bottles from Zachy’s and have not had this issue.
love the 1911 and wonder where the rest of the wine goes—since 1911 bottles is not a full number of casks. Also wish I could tell disgorgement date and what year base I’m drinking, but that’s a common Champagne wish. Good value still.
Agree that this is normally a great value. Not sure what happened with this particular bottle, but seeing other experiences here, seems like this particular bottle might just be off and it’s not common. So I won’t be dissuaded from buying in the future. Thanks everyone!
Love this wine. Rich with notes of brioche, hay, and pears. Balanced and fresh. At least that’s what I recall. Bought as many of this as I could until Flatiron ran out. All long gone. Our holiday treat during the dark Covid days. Great stuff.
After going through cases with very good consistency, I too had an underperforming bottle a couple of weeks ago. I think it was a rare one-off. I love this cuvée, with the interplay of fresh and mature notes.
Ahh- good to know. I’m glad that it’s an uncommon finding. Thanks for weighing in!