Rare Champagne Brut Rose, Champagne, France 2014

The wine's incredibly dense, coppery rose gold color anticipates the richness and depth of its bouquet. The bubbles are very subtle. The 2014 vintage displays its extraordinary personality from the first nose. After strong aromas of red and dark fruits - wild strawberry, black cherry, blackberry - and blood orange, on the second nose, musk, apricot and candied orange covered in dark chocolate come together, simultaneously revealing a hint of candied fruit and chocolate, violet, rose, and guava. Finally, spiced aromas - star anise and pepper - emerge, complemented by a touch of kirsch and brioche. The nose lingers on the palate, thanks in particular to the violet and red fruits. The attack is succulent and fiery in its concentration. Pomegranate, Morello cherry and dried flowers assert themselves. Notes of strawberry tart and crème pâtissière then characterize the generous, velvety flavor. Rare Rosé finishes with a powerful, swirling, vinous tension, worthy of a fine dining champagne: chocolate, pink peppercorns and kirsch bloom on the palate. A wonderfully long, positive bitterness rounds off the tasting of this eccentric vintage.

Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir

94 James Suckling