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

Rose d'assemblage (75% Pinot Noir, including around 9% Rouge;  25% Chardonnay; 

all Grands Crus) 

Tasted in end Mar., 2013

We tasted it over the course of 1 hour & a half, experiencing its development in 3 stages.

Salmon-copper, with hues of amber. The mousse is vivacious & fine. 

Initially, it's dominated by smoke, mineral as well as tannic dryness(from the Rouge), constricting the silky fruit underneath & imposing a serious, linear depth & nervy tension. Classically austere!

With aeration & as it loses the initial chill, the charm of fruit delicately unfolds, alternating with sensual/meaty ripe cherry/raspberry, palate-staining candied orange peel as well as racy pink grapefruit. Cushiony, silky mid palate. Vibrant, fresh finale, with a touch of spice. Subtly vinous. Totally delicious.

Around 1 hour after uncorking, it picks up oxidizing, evolving tones of orange toffee & nut chocolate. Nectar-like. Lovely.

This is, of course, capable of further aging & evolution. But to me, it could be most intellectually rewarding now, when you could experience the interesting development, with plenty of class, poise & delicate charm.