Champagne Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs 2012 Extra Brut

With over 150 years of experience in the winemaking industry, the Rothschild family are quite simply the most famous name in wine. Whilst not establishing a direct presence in Champagne until 2003, they have had an interest in the region since 1945, beginning with an investment in Champagne Ruinart. This was sold to LVMH in 1963, but the family returned in 1966, purchasing shares in Champagne Henriot, a partnership that lasted until 1988. In 2003, the three branches of the family (Mouton, Lafite, and Rothschild Bank) launched Champagne Barons de Rothschild, with an exclusive selection of Premiers Crus and Grands Crus vineyards. Today, based in Vertus, the Rothschild House owns 8 hectares in prime locations across the Côte des Blancs.

This limited release Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs is composed of 100% chardonnay from the Grand Cru vineyards of Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Vinified separately plot by plot in 20-hl temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats and a small proportion of wooden barrels. Long ageing on the fine lees in small vats with regular bâtonnage (stirring of the lees). Cellar-ageing on the lees: 8 years minimum - Dosage: extra brut, 4 g/l - Rest after disgorgement: 12 months minimum

Toasty and nutty on the nose with candied lemon peel, peach and dried apricots. Full, quite intense and fruit forward. I like the hints of bitterness with lemon zest, coffee beans, toasted vanilla pod alongside crisp green apple. Crunchy and direct at the same time with lifted acidity. Quite upfront and powerful - well worked but still youthful with tension despite being a decade old. A charming Champagne.
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