Thanks to Xiao P for the nice photos!

Tarlant Cuvee BAM! Brut Nature Non-Vintage Champagne (750ml) 

*a field blend of Tarlant's estate-grown Pinot Blanc, Arbanne & Petit Meslier, 3 minority white grape varieties in Champagne, thus this is a Blanc de Blancs without a single drop of Chardonnay! 

*first fermentation done entirely in relatively new oak barriques of medium toast;

*non-malo;

*this inaugural edition of Cuvee BAM! is a blend of 2007 & 2008 harvests, with a tiny production of about 1,200 bottles;

*disgorged on Feb 11, 2014;

*zero dosage.

Tasted twice.

First tasted in Nov, 2014

Penetrating, savory scents of saline & spicy minerality impress me much, showing co-fermented & non-malo origin. But the oaky unctuousness is too overt, which bothers me.

On the palate, angular & nervy youth – austere, green appley acidity of Pinot Blanc & dense flavors of saline & spicy minerality overwhelm the fruit – a hard hit, so aptly named! As with the nose, the overt oaky unctuousness on the palate forms an abrupt contrast with the austere acidity & tough minerality. This is NOT ready YET, needing time for the oakiness to fade away & the fruit to come forward...

Second tasted in Feb, 2015

What sweeping changes! The bothering oaky unctuousness is gone! Instead, a lovely creamy textured (oak-boosted), ample & fresh fruitiness shines through, integrating the firm acidity & cushioning the mineral backbone.

Savory aroma, creamy & ample entry, mid-palate-staining flavors of salted & spiced sweet citrus,  and pure, nuanced finish. Everything in its place. All harmonious.

Pure, savory, ample & firm. What an original & skillful fusion of Champagne’s minority white varieties! And a fulfilled, harmonious zero dosage, too!