Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier
The pale lemon shade with golden and green highlights is shimmering and luminous. This wine develops a fine, elegant and long-tasting mousse.
On the first nose, the wine reveals white flower aromas (honeysuckle, lilac), citrus notes as well as fresh butter and cream. After airing, as it is getting warmer, this Champagne exhales another spectrum of aromas. The wine reveals spicy notes of ginger and lemongrass, which were unsuspected until then. The beautiful quality of the acidity (present throughout the tasting) is especially remarkable. The frank vinosity of the wine (roundness and alcohol) gives an impression of strength and freshness. The wine appears big yet tight. These various sensations produce a pure, creamy and silky textured wine.
The finish is clean, slightly minerality and long. The last aroma is grapefruit. The impression will be remembered as a harmonious, healthy, and vibrant wine.
Blending is composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir classified Premier Cru and from vines in Rilly-la-Montagne. Ageing 10 months in large oak casks. No malolactic fermentation. Doasge 8g/L.
"A blend of 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay, this has a complex and sophisticated nose that delivers peach fruits and citrus, plus some bolder yellow plum fruits too. The palate is assertive, energetic and concentrated with peach and nectarine flavors met with lemony acidity. Long, really powerful Champagne here. Drink now or age on cork for three or more years." - 93 points, James Suckling