Le Brun de Neuville Millésime 2008
The largest cooperative cellar in the chardonnay-focused Côte de Sézanne
Grape Makeup:
96% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Noir
Sweetness Level:
Brut
Ageing on Lees:
11 years
Price:
$ (V)
Cellar:
Up to 5 years
Category:
Celebration
Photos
What
The largest cooperative cellar in the Côte de Sézanne, an area known for chardonnay and undergoing a renaissance since being replanted in the 1960s and ‘70s
Where
Bethon, Côte de Sézanne; 150 hectares total, though only one-third are used for their own wine production; 90% chardonnay, 10% pinot noir. The vines for the vintage are 40 years old.
Why
The soils of the Côte de Sézanne are heavily chalky and porous, providing the perfect hydric conditions for the vines. The wines are released after a remarkable 11 years on lees, all on natural cork (rather than crown cap, as is typical), to allow for gentle oxygen exposure while ageing. This is an amazing opportunity to try a beautifully mature wine from the much-admired 2008 vintage (classical, poised) without spending a fortune.
What Else
The Authentique range, with high levels of reserve wine and a small portion fermented in oak, has wonderful richness and depth.
Tasting Notes
Slightly scorched toasty notes mingle with marmalade and quince jelly on the nose with a refining hint of cedarwood. This is clearly in a mature stage with richness through the mid-palate but its acidity continues to assert itself particularly towards the back where it simultaneously becomes quite biscuity and rich-flavoured.
Try It With
Something crunchy and fried, like the perfect truffle fries.
When To Drink
Entrées or snacks.
Perfect For
The person who refuses to drink wine under a decade old (and can tell the difference).
Tatler Tip
This is probably the most inexpensive opportunity you will find to taste champagne from the exquisite 2008 vintage; enjoy!
TL/DR
Mature, nutty and rounded.
Supplier
Watsons Wine
