Category: Champagne reviews

Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque 2006

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New Release: 2003 Dom Pérignon

The 2002 has been widely acclaimed as one of the best. A few weeks ago Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy decided to release a wine from 2003, a year when Champagne was hit by frost, hail, and an August heat wave – it seems to be a bit of a risk.

“We shouldn’t be afraid of hot years,” says Mr. Geoffroy. “We have to react to the condition of the year; there were some slight technical challenges but I’m very proud of this vintage.”

The 2003 vintage was made from grapes grown in the hottest summer in Champagne in 53 years. The vintage has slightly more Pinot Noir (60%) in the blend, with 40% Chardonnay. Although a powerful wine with plenty of fruit, it retains Dom Pérignon’s trademark finesse.

This vintage has character, but remains quintessentially Dom Pérignon with a round, rhythmical finish that dances delicately between mineral and floral flavors. To the skilled Chef de Cave, the 2003 is an intense memory and Richard Geoffroy beautifully captures this by saying, “I wish every single vintage could be as strong as 2003.”

DOM PÉRIGNON
Moët & Chandon, Épernay, Champagne, France
Vintage: 2003
Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: £100 or €120 (est)

PIPER-HEIDSIECK LAUNCHES “BODYGUARD”

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck has wrapped its new limited edition ‘Bodyguard’ Champagne in a ‘sexy red crocodile skin’ for its launch this month.

The 75cl Champagne Brut, in a lipstick red faux crocodile skin sheath, is “a perfect example of how innovative and audacious this brand can be”, says Matthew Hodges, Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail Marketing Director. “Although Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail will distribute only small quantities of this limited edition in travel retail, it will bring a halo of excitement to the whole brand.” 


Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Bodyguard will be sold in selected travel retail outlets, with the initial rollout in Aelia, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport stores.

Tasting Notes from Piper-Heidsieck as having ‘springtime citrus aromas with notes of apples and pears’.

Liz Palmer – Wine and Travel Writer
Member of the Circle of Wine Writers (UK)
http://twitter.com/champagnehouses

Champagne Launch – Gosset’s Grand Blanc de Blanc

Founded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. It also remains one of the most prestigious, considered by many collectors and connoisseurs as the world’s preeminent name in luxury champagne.

Gosset’s reputation for excellence starts on the vines. Its champagnes are composed almost entirely of grapes from Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Unlike most champagne producers, this illustrious wine house purposely avoids malolactic fermentation and always performs riddling and disgorging of prestige cuvées and large-format bottles by hand. Gosset champagnes are made with infinite care and kept in deep cellars for at least three years – and up to five or more for vintage and prestige cuvées – before release.

Gosset’s inimitable style – powerful and full-bodied, of unrivaled richness and staying power – has changed very little over the centuries. Gosset is now a fixture on wine lists of some of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, lauded by sommeliers for an exceptional capacity to enhance a wide range of cuisine. It is, in short, a legend among the wines of Champagne.

Released last week: Grand Blanc de Blanc Brut

Grape Varieties
100% Chardonnay from 11 different Premier and Grand Cru vineyards

Vinification
A blend of various vintages: 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999. Rests on the lees for a minimum of eight years before disgorgement

In the Glass
Luminous golden hue with green tints. Fine, steady and lively bubbles

On the Nose
Expressive and complex. Begins with elegant floral and fruity aromas of flowers and white fruits, including plum. Notes of brioche and butter emerge giving way to nuances of lemon, cinnamon and clove

On the Palate
Full, concentrated and rich, with remarkable structure, balance and freshness. Voluptuous flavors of tropical fruit with notes of sandalwood, exotic spices and toasted pralines

Serving Suggestions
This refined and sensuous cuvée charms with its complex yet harmonious aromatic profile. It will complement an infinite number of dishes. Perfect to sip throughout an entire meal, from pre-dinner cocktails to the cheese course.