Thanks to Xiao P for sourcing this limited magnum from Taiwan    Photo by Johnny

Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee 2000 Brut 1er Cru Champagne in magnum (1.5L)          

L 10 10 = disgorged in Oct, 2010

* Technicalities of Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee Vintage:

- Composition: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, from 50-year-old, now bio-dynamically farmed vines in the 1er Cru of Rilly-la-Montagne;

- Restriction of yield;

- 'Coeur de Cuvee' means the heart (best juice) of the first pressing: from every 2000 liters of cuvee, Vilmart plucks out only the very best 800 liters for this cult wine;

- Vinification entirely in small barriques (225-liter) of relatively new oak (one-year-old barriques from Allier), then ageing in the barriques for 10 months, and enriched through batonnage;

- Avoidance of malolactic fermentation;

- A limited production of up to 5,000 bottles for a vintage.

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Tasted in Feb, 2013

Racy mineral scents develop towards a creamy, umami density. Seemingly very promising.

Yet the palate is a big contrast, already resolved with vinous, voluptuous, almost windfall yellow stone fruits, with mellowed biscuity & warm spicy complexities. Luxuriously silky texture and almost chewable richness. Oak has been seamlessly integrated.

Indeed very enjoyable at this moment. But I can't help wondering its future, since I fail to find much in reserve -- even from a magnum. I guess the 750ml bottle format would have passed the peak. Hope this is just my little prejudice that most vintage 2000 champagnes age quite rapidly...