Robinson explains:
Blend of 2006, 2004 and 2002 given a full 14 years' ageing in bottle. The current release of this prestige cuvée in magnum. The price is usually 2.5 times the price of the current release in bottle. 'Freshness and vivacity is always very important in this cuvée', according to Bernard de Nonancourt's granddaughter Lucie Pereyre. Deep straw colour but still with amazing tension on the palate. This is explosive and minerally on the nose and definitely with less obvious acidity than the Grand Siècle No 25 in bottle at this point. In fact, it's almost warm and round! Definitely creamy-textured with strong lemon-syllabub (lemon-cream) notes. Very much part of the Grand Siècle family with just a lightly bitter note on the end. Maturing very nicely.
Best ever for Falstaff, too:
Pale yellow green, silver reflections, very fine, persistent mousse. Delicate background with cookie and nuts, fine yellow tropical fruit, a hint of lime and orange zest, mineral touch, almond cake and floral nuances. Taut, tight-knit, white peach fruit, lively structure, hints of pineapple, white apple and nectarines in the finish, a fine salty touch, youthful, great length, certain ageing potential. Has an almost unbelievable freshness, captivating delicacy and impressive aromatic breadth, has now reached a perfect drinking stage, impressive depth.
And best ever for Gilman, too:
It is an utterly stunning wine and in magnum, still in climbing mode and will be even better five years down the road! The gorgeous bouquet soars from the glass in a mix of apple, white peach, brioche, a complex base of chalky minerality, a touch of caraway seed and a topnote of orange peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, complex and very precise, with a superb core of fruit, outstanding mineral undertow, refined mousse and a very long, zesty and impeccably balanced finish. This is brilliant Champagne!
And 99 from Suckling:
Dried lemons, salted almonds, oyster shells, croissants, iodine, baked apples, spices and some ginger notes. White pepper, too. Vibrant and fresh, with a distinct saline edge. I like the subtle spice character. So much subtle power and tension. 58% chardonnay and 42% pinot noir, from 2006, 2004 and 2002. 14 years on the lees, three or four more than the normal bottle release.
Astonishing Champagne.
