Delamotte
Blanc de Blancs Champagne Chardonnay
Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
Had to open one from the case of Delamotte NV Blanc de Blancs (which I also HAD to have when I came across it today). As the sister house to Champagne Salon, Delamotte has the luxury of riding some impressive coattails. I’ve always viewed Salon on at least equal footing with Krug and Cristal, and their one house, one wine, 100% Mesnil, and only in the best years philosophy sets it apart. The history alone is impressive, dating back to 1760, when there were just 5 houses. Most impressive, though, Salon has only declared 39 vintages since 1905. So what should we drink while we’re saving our money for Salon or waiting for the next vintage? As Antonio Galloni points out, “When Salon does not declare a vintage, the wines go to Delamotte, Salon’s sister property and neighbor. Because of that, the Delamotte Champagnes are often mentioned as an after thought. That is a shame, because the Delamotte Champagnes deserve to be appreciated on their own terms...”
I absolutely love this bottle. I can’t help but point out how spot-on Allen Meadows is when he describes it as “utterly delicious” “extremely stylish” and “very blanc de blancs in style...” This is the best under-$100 Champagne I’ve tasted in a long time.
Had to open one from the case of Delamotte NV Blanc de Blancs (which I also HAD to have when I came across it today). As the sister house to Champagne Salon, Delamotte has the luxury of riding some impressive coattails. I’ve always viewed Salon on at least equal footing with Krug and Cristal, and their one house, one wine, 100% Mesnil, and only in the best years philosophy sets it apart. The history alone is impressive, dating back to 1760, when there were just 5 houses. Most impressive, though, Salon has only declared 39 vintages since 1905. So what should we drink while we’re saving our money for Salon or waiting for the next vintage? As Antonio Galloni points out, “When Salon does not declare a vintage, the wines go to Delamotte, Salon’s sister property and neighbor. Because of that, the Delamotte Champagnes are often mentioned as an after thought. That is a shame, because the Delamotte Champagnes deserve to be appreciated on their own terms...”
I absolutely love this bottle. I can’t help but point out how spot-on Allen Meadows is when he describes it as “utterly delicious” “extremely stylish” and “very blanc de blancs in style...” This is the best under-$100 Champagne I’ve tasted in a long time.
100% Chardonnay, this champagne spends 4 to 5 years sur latte on lees rather than the 15 months required by law and for which it is superb. While it might be presumptuous to call it baby Salon, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs is a delicious glimpse of the house's métier and their respect for elegant Chardonnay grown along the Côte des Blancs -in this case the Grand Crus of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize, and Cramant -a wish list of chalk slopes for every connoisseur of "crayeux" Blanc de Blancs in all their chalky, mineral, and energetic tension. A grand Champagne to turn any breakfast into a high holiday.
100% Chardonnay, this champagne spends 4 to 5 years sur latte on lees rather than the 15 months required by law and for which it is superb. While it might be presumptuous to call it baby Salon, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs is a delicious glimpse of the house's métier and their respect for elegant Chardonnay grown along the Côte des Blancs -in this case the Grand Crus of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize, and Cramant -a wish list of chalk slopes for every connoisseur of "crayeux" Blanc de Blancs in all their chalky, mineral, and energetic tension. A grand Champagne to turn any breakfast into a high holiday.
Jan 12th, 2017
Delicate minerality with citrus undertones and soft floral finish. Dry and clean from the house of Salon.
Delicate minerality with citrus undertones and soft floral finish. Dry and clean from the house of Salon.
Apr 3rd, 2016Exceptional expression of Chardonnay in the best sort of chalk imaginable. An explosive character -a saber fencer of a Champagne bursting with heart pounding life and in a measured motion that at a distance might be difficult to follow as its a blur to the naked eye but up close this orbits at a pace in which eons are split seconds and every subtle cut and thrust has essential purpose. A marvelous blanc de blancs.
Exceptional expression of Chardonnay in the best sort of chalk imaginable. An explosive character -a saber fencer of a Champagne bursting with heart pounding life and in a measured motion that at a distance might be difficult to follow as its a blur to the naked eye but up close this orbits at a pace in which eons are split seconds and every subtle cut and thrust has essential purpose. A marvelous blanc de blancs.
Aug 26th, 2015
A little celebration is in order.....
A little celebration is in order.....
Jun 5th, 2015
Great value champagne. Nice freshness and fruit to it.
Great value champagne. Nice freshness and fruit to it.
Apr 27th, 2015The other great Blanc de Blancs from the owners of the legendary Maison Salon, it is 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Le Mesnil sur Oger, in the heart of the Chardonnay-producing Côte des Blancs. Elegant, mineral, beautiful nose. Great freshness.
The other great Blanc de Blancs from the owners of the legendary Maison Salon, it is 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Le Mesnil sur Oger, in the heart of the Chardonnay-producing Côte des Blancs. Elegant, mineral, beautiful nose. Great freshness.
Apr 29th, 2021
Off dry, mild fruit, grapefruit tones, straw with minimal minerality
Off dry, mild fruit, grapefruit tones, straw with minimal minerality
Mar 12th, 2021