Egly-Ouriet Brut Rose Grand Cru Champagne NV 

(The blend is 70% Pinot Noir,including 10% Coteaux Champenois rouge, + 30% Chardonnay; 50% 1999 harvest plus 50% reserve wines! First fermentation in oak barriques and enameled tanks. Bottled in 2000 and disgorged in 2006, with 6 years on lees! Dosage is very low @ 2-3 grams per litre)

Bought in Shanghai @ RMB 818 in May 2008

Tasted on Aug 3, 2008 @ Cantonese Restaurant 厚街粤菜馆

Copper but turning orange(a bit worry)...with very small bubbles.

On the nose, wow! Ripe raspberry and quince, mingled with INTENSE SMOKE, orange peel and sea smell... When ripe fruit and intense mineral tango like this, you have to salute Francis Egly for his respect of terroir and time.

On the palate, I feel slight pity because the fruit is not that intense as expected from the nose...medium body dominated by smoky minerality with long finish. Still fine and graceful for people addicted to mineral like me...but I could only imagine now her glorious peak maybe one year ago when intense pinot noir fruit can still 'battle' against smoky minerality to deliver a feast on the palate! It's time to drink up and say 'farewell' to this edition.

* More info on this reputable grower 'Egly Ouriet': http://www.champagnegallery.com.au/shop/egly-ouriet/