NV Barons de Rothschild Brut Champagne

Based in the Cotes De Blanc this is a 10 year old brand uniting the three branches of the Rothschild family; Eric from Chateau Lafite, Philippine from Chateau Mouton and Benjamine from Chateau Clark. The winemaker is Jean Philipe Moulin, formerly at Perrier Jouet, he joined the Barons in 2007. Production is only 500,000 bottles a year and they released 250,000 bottles on the market this year in 50 countries around the globe. The blend here is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The Blanc De Blanc is 100% Grand Cru and the Rose is made from the same Chardonnay base wine as the Blanc De Blanc with the addition of 15% red Pinot Noir. They use up to 40% reserve wines in the cuvee which come from Mesnil, Cremant and Verzy, aged 4 years for the whites and 3 years for rose, 2007 is the main vintage for the Brut and then some 2005 and 2006 reserve wines. Only the first pressing juice is used in the blend the rest is sold off, they also have a low dosage 5% for the brut and 6% for the Rose and Blanc de Blanc. No wood, very pure mineral driven style and they source most of the fruit. This Brut NV is mostly 2007 and this will be in the market for the next year or so at the distributor, a pretty bouquet of white flowers apple and pear fruit with almond like nutty aromas of brioche, nice development of aromas. Smooth silky bubbles on the tongue with a nice concentration and tangy minerality showing on the long finish, very fresh and bright. Finish 45 Excellent