Thanks to Luc for sparing the quota of this rarity from Taiwan, and to Xiao P for

nice photos!

Cédric Bouchard ‘Roses de Jeanne’ La Bolorée 2008 Brut Blanc de Blancs

Pinot Blanc Champagne (750ml)

*100% Pinot Blanc planted in 1960 @ a 0.21-hectare, south-facing, pure chalk lieu-dit called 'La Bolorée' in Aube;

*production per vintage: 800 – 1,000 bottles;

*minimalist wine-making: no chaptalization, no fining, no filtering, no cold stabilization, no wood & no dosage, natural malo.

Tasted in early Sept, 2013

This rare, old vine Pinot Blanc Champagne debuted with 2005 vintage, produced in 06 & 07 as well, then followed by current release of 2008 vintage. Though missing the boat for both 06 & 07, we’re still very lucky to experience the inaugural 2005 and the highly anticipated 2008, which is arguably the finest vintage in Champagne during last two decades.

The bottle of La Bolorée 05 we tasted in last May had been cellared for three years after release, and it feels discreet & reticent, while this just released bottle of 08 is beautifully open & expressive, with filigreed finesse.

Served upon uncorking.

Waxy aromas of white spectrum (white flower, white tea leaf, crystalline pear & blanched almond) are penetrated by saline, flinty scents of chalk. Richly fragrant & ample on the palate, with vibrant liveliness & caressing softness from cushiony mousse (all Cédric Bouchard champagnes are demi-mousse at a lower pressure of 4.5 atmospheres). The real thrill comes when you swallow this nectar down the throat, fireworks of racy, chalk-infused flavors (a whole set of white, green & saline nuances) just explode on the back palate, blowing you away with kaleidoscopic, drawn-out finale.

Rich yet lively. Resonant yet filigreed. This is epitome of originality & finesse. Surely it would be very interesting to see how it evolves with age. But it's so irresistibly expressive at the moment that I really think every champagne afficianado deserves to experience the vivid & vibrant youth of this original rarity, at least once…

Keep your radar on for future releases. This thoroughbred is well worth the seek.