Les Chétillons Cuvée Spéciale Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay

Always a favorite BdB. Glad to have snagged the last bottle from the great Marta Champagne list. The illustrious Le Mesnil produces what is likely the best expressions of Chardonnay in Champagne. The 2010 shows a bit more age than the 2009 I had recently, (therefore more ready to drink too), but it’s still very fresh and vibrant and in a terrific place showing great appeal, charm and rounded flavors. Zalto Bordeaux was the perfect vessel.

Les Chétillons consists of three aged parcels of vines, ranging from 45 to 70+ years of age which are situated in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil sur Oger. This legendary cuvée is known for its incredible combination of elegance, precision, brisk acidity and intense minerality, and it certainly does not fall short in this vintage as the 2010 is another sensational release from Rodolphe Péters. This gorgeous Blanc de Blancs immediately impresses with its stunning aromatics of fresh orchard fruits, lemon zest, orange blossoms, chalky minerals, crushed hazelnuts and toasted brioche which all take shape beautifully in the glass. On the palate this fresh and vibrant, displaying a gorgeous fine texture, with striking elegance and purity. This goes on to impress with its outstanding balance and precision, as flavors of orchard fruits, white flowers and toasted brioche are underlined by lovely minerality and crisp acidity leading up to the dazzling finish. Simply put, this is an excellent vintage for Les Chétillons, and while this cuvée has the track record to age gracefully, the 2010 offers excellent upfront appeal and is drinking beautifully today.

Pale lemon with very fine bead. Notes of green Apple Lemon with a hint of honey. On the palate Apple Cider with a Saline note and a medium dry finish. From the fabled Le Mesnil-sur- Oger. The chalk is never more than 10cms from the surface. A relative bargain for a Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs at $195 AUD versus Krug Clos du Mesnil for $1750 AUD. Like all good wines this has great persistence. 12% Alc.

Toast and honey-dipped apples. Awesome example of aged bubbles with persistent acid and texture.

Axé beaucoup sur la pomme verte. Une touche de miel aussi et de croissants. Droit et vif. Bonne acidité. Manque une petite touche plus cremeuse. Belle longueur.

2010. Belle bulle tout en finesse

Gorgeous honeyed yellow fruit but still crisp and lively.

Bright vibrant. Lacks creaminess

Amazing nose on it and ridiculously delicious.

Never have I been sadder that a wine was corked than with this btl...