GIMONNET 'BELLES ANNEES' CHAMPAGNE 750ML

Fermented in bottle so as to produce significantly lower than standard pressure (the same approach he takes with his “Cuvee Gastronome”), Gimonnet’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Selection Belles Annees Disg. 4/2013 reflects a wealth of villages and vineyards, and incorporates the harvests of 2010 and 2007 with, to a lesser extent, 2009 and 2006. Jasmine, heliotrope and narcissus offer alluringly sweet and musky perfume, persisting on a polished and buoyant palate, where subtly saline, chalky and alkaline notes add interest to a lingering, discreetly piquant, yet above all caressing and soothing finish. This ought to prove delightfully versatile at table over at least the next couple of years, and represents, by the standards of its appellation, outstanding value. Pierre Gimonnet farms nearly 70 prime acres – overwhelmingly in the Cote des Blancs – which are reflected in a similarly enormous range of different cuvees, most of them represented in the U.S. market in any given year and tasted by me for this report. What’s more, future expansion of official Champagne acreage around Cramant and Chouilly will offer Gimonnet opportunity to broaden his vine footprint. Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300