Photo by Johnny

Deutz ' Cuvee William Deutz Rose ' Millesime 1999 Brut Champagne (750ml)

Composition: 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay; all Grands Crus; red wine addition method

Tasted in July, 2011

Served upon popping the cork.

Lovely hue of pale pink gold. Exemplary mousse.

Crisp scents of freshly picked cherry greet the nose first, followed by warmer notes of sweet raspberry. With more airing, ethereal nuances of fresh dairy emerge. As it loses the initial chill, the bouquet gains dimension and complexity -- meaty, decadent Pinot aromas with hints of sweet vanilla -- yet it retains restrained poise and subtlety. Aristocratic!

By contrast, the attack on the taste buds is surprisingly explosive and electrifying, with persistent mineral austerity -- this is hardly for beginners, but surely thrilling for Champagne aficionados of mineral-alcoholic breed. “A good Champagne is a mineral wine first”, says some Champenois. I do subscribe to such point of view!

To let it out of its nutshell, we choose to ‘decant’ it in the glass towards a still rose: then, luscious yet structured flavors of red berry fruit and rose petal come, leisurely, to the fore. Vinous yet ethereal, and silky smooth.

This is still painfully young, but the class and poise are unmistakable...I will try hard not to touch it again in 5 years' time...