Jacquesson Avize Grand Cru ‘Champ Cain’ 2004 Extra Brut Champagne (750ml)

Thanks to Xiao P for the nice photos!

* 100% Chardonnay from single vineyard ‘Champ Cain’ in Grand Cru Avize of Cote des Blancs

Tasted in early Oct, 2014.

Jacquesson used to blend Chardonnay wines from 3 sites on the lower slops of Grand Cru Avize, La Fosse, Nemery and Champ Cain, into its vintaged Avize Grand Cru, a robust Blanc de Blancs. Starting with 2002 vintage, Jacquesson singles out ‘Champ Cain’ as a lieu-dit bottling, focusing on expression of the linear chalkiness, typical of Cote des Blancs Chardonnay.

Well chilled. It starts off with delicate floral notes, then succulent yellow fruit (yellow flesh plum, yellow peach), infused with pungent mineral note. With further aeration, a subtle tobacco tone is revealed.

On the palate, initially very bony – all about mineral linearity, tension & grip, with intense, penetrating flavor of saline & fine-bitter minerality. The succulent yellow fruits are pushed to the back seat. With more time in the glass, the wine acquires a bit oily roundedness to become more approachable, but the mineral linearity is still paramount.

This might be the most linear offering from Jacquesson, with a serious character & fine-toned elegance. Also, a laudable effort from the 2004 vintage, which is quite notorious for lacking substance.