Jean Vesselle L’expression Nature

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

80% Pinot Noir; 20% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Brut Nature

Ageing on Lees:

24 months

Price:

$

Cellar:

Up to five years

Category:

Celebration

What

A historic name in the village of Bouzy, vine growers for nearly 300 years; particularly known for its unusual Oeil de Perdrix that straddles Blanc de Noirs and Rosé.

Where

Bouzy, Montagne de Reims; 15ha split between Bouzy and the Côte des Bar, 90% Pinot noir.

Why

This bottling is the result of a 2019 experiment, when Delphine Vesselle created five versions of this cuvée with dosage from 0 to 35g/l, with the no dosage version ultimately winning Despite not having tried this before, Vesselle decided after a discussion with her Japanese distributor to give it a go and this somewhat idiosyncratically scented but lush-fruited bottling is the result.

What Else

The Oeil de Perdrix remains a benchmark of this style, with perfectly ripened grapes making for a rosé that is much more characterful than many blended rosés even though there is virtually no contact between the skins and the must.

Tasting Notes

The nose here is subtle, if quite ripe in character, with a digestive biscuit wheat note, quince jelly and pear fruit, hints of honey, miso and wet concrete. The palate is soft and generous, its rich pear and yellow peach fruit taking centre stage with well-integrated toastiness, which emerges further on the finish once the waxiness of the palate has passed. The mousse is gentle, adding to the sense that this is very rounded and soft, if not broad. It is just balanced by its acidity, with a firm cut of bitterness on the back, straightening it out.

Try It With

Umami-rich and lush-textured meals, such as miso black cod

When To Drink

After dinner

Perfect For

A wine lovers' gathering

TL/DR

Understated nose with a rounded, honeyed palate.

Supplier

Deco Wines