Extracted from a Charity Dinner thread:
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NV Laurent-Perrier Champagne Héritage Brut
- NV André Clouet Champagne Un jour de 1911...
I wanted to contrast this Blanc de Noirs with the preceding 2008 Taittinger Comtes Blanc de Blancs. It walks the line between freshness and maturity beautifully. Generous notes of biscuit and ripe pear, plus apple, lemon zest, a touch of ginger, and even a hint of coffee bean. Rich yet vibrant and precise. Great wine, but hard to follow the Comtes.
100% Pinot Noir, aged at least six years on the lees in stainless steel and neutral oak. Dosage is in the brut range. No markings on the cork or bottle to identify the release.
Another gorgeous bottle of Hêritage. Rich, with the malolactic fermentation softening the edges. White fruit, citrus, brioche, and Marcona almonds, with excellent balance and complexity. The aromas, flavors, and texture resemble the Grand Siècle, but this drinks beautifully young, while in my experience Grand Siècle has incredible complexity and benefits from more bottle age. About 55:45 Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, using reserve wines from 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2014. Four years on the lees and around 6 g/L dosage.
2008 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut
A fortunate mistake for the guests. This had a “2007” hanging neck tag, and since I own more '07 than ‘08, I assumed that’s what I’d opened. I’d read credible notes saying the 2008 is shut down, and my bottle two months ago certainly was. But after a swirl, a sniff, and a taste, I thought, “Wow…this has to be my Champagne of the Year from 2007.” Then I looked at the label and realized my mistake.
This bottle showed beautifully. One of the wines of the night, and perhaps one of my wines of the year. Typical Comtes’ luscious mouthfeel, with ripe apple, lemon cream, buttery brioche, and a strong mineral streak. Beautifully balanced with outstanding complexity. I was honestly surprised how well this showed compared to my last bottle.
NV Fallet-Dart Champagne Les Hauts des Clos du Mont
I’d brought this as a backup bottle, but the weather and the cuisine called for another Champagne. French oak aging, and 15 years on the lees combine to produce a generous, full-bodied Champagne from a single walled vineyard in the Marne Valley. Although labeled NV, this is entirely from the 2006 vintage and was disgorged in April 2023.
Dense mandarin, dried apricot, and brioche. Deep, rich and concentrated. I might say it’s slightly inelegant, but it’s from a warm '06, and it was quite enjoyable.
