鸣谢小P同学专程从台湾市场搜寻此酒(产量仅15,000瓶)

鸣谢"远峰一青"老大现场摄影

Philipponnat “Cuvee 1522” Grand Cru brut Champagne Vintage 2000

Grape proportions: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

Tasted in June 2009

Served upon uncorking, then bottle breathing, without champagne stopper, in ice bucket

Glass: Richard Juhlin Champagne glass

The Philipponnat family first established vineyards in Champagne as early as 1522, hence the name of this “Prestige Cuvee” (the jewel on Philipponnat’s crown, the single vineyard “Clos des Goisses”, is so unique that it should be considered in its own context, just like Salon…) The “Grand Cru” mark on the label immediately tells all seasoned Champagne amateurs that there is no Pinot Meunier in this blend, instead only the “noble” varieties (Pinot Noir and/or Chardonnay) from Grands Crus were used.

Lemon gold with greenish hues. Creamy mousse.

When first poured, a lovely flash of brioche on the nose, which soon evolved towards mineral (flint) and then nutty depth: hazelnut (Pinot Noir) followed by walnut (Chardonnay). Serious stuff!

The first sip immediately revealed this bubbly is still very young! Lovely acidity and intense fruit flavors – linear and penetrating, like a rapier! Yet the texture is so ethereal and delicate...Very interesting indeed!

About 40 minutes after uncorking, the acidity molt down a bit, and the palate showed better balance of sour-sweetness (haw). Then fine bitterness gained more strength on the finish. Around 1 hour after uncorking, the palate suddenly flattered into charming nut-toffee and coffee creaminess, with citrus acidity still healthy in the background to keep it fresh…This 2^nd phase is really lovely, though unfortunately the three of us just running into the last drops…

A true thumb-up for a 2000 vintage! This “Cuvee 1522” 2000 has a small production of merely 15,000 bottles! I think this bubbly will continue to improve for the next couple of years, and would pray for my luck to encounter the next bottle!