"93 POINTS. Bronze-pink; the gently spicy sweetness manifests itself as much in fruit flavours as simple residual sugar; a complex wine that is probably better used as an aperitif or after dinner drink, not matched with desserts other than cake/biscuit-based dishes." - James Halliday.
Lovely rich, complex fruit characters with lusciousness the whole length of the palate leading to a fresh, clean finish.
This unique style is modelled on the French Champagne style 'doux'. The Cuvée Riche is unmistakably sweeter, richer and more luscious yet finishes efreshingly crisp. Cuvée Riche is a surprisingly adaptable wine, it can be enjoyed as a richer apéritif style and it is ideal with food such as foie gris, paté and smoked salmon. As a dessert wine, it best matches desserts of low sweetness such as tarte tatin, quince tart or summer pudding.
Accoaldes and Awards:
James Halliday: 93 Bronze-pink; the gently spicy sweetness manifests itself as much in fruit flavours as simple residual sugar; a complex wine that is probably better used as an aperitif or after dinner drink, not matched with desserts other than cake/biscuit-based dishes.
Huon Hooke & Ralph Kyte-Powell : An unusual style, and when you first sniff and taste it, it's a real surprise. The nose has mellow stone-fruit, patisserie and nutty aromas, and the palate has a lush layer of sweetness that leads through a clean smooth finish. The sweetness, although it isn't over the top, does mask other complexities the wine may or may not have, but it does fill a unique role. It suits lighter desserts when something with a bit of light, jolly effervescence is called for, and it's a very convivial thing to serve in such circumstances.
Huon Hooke & Ralph Kyte-Powell: There's a slight pinkish blush here and the nose has sweet citrus and biscuity aromas. In the mouth it has noticeable sweetness, perhaps a bit more than the earlier editions of this wine, but a bit of yeasty depth and richness in the mid-palate and fine acidity balance it well. The finish is long and soft. A great companion to a summer pudding of fresh berries.
Matt Skinner: Luscious, rich and, well, this side of dry, cuvee riche Ð modelled off the French dessert-style Champagne doux Ð is the incredibly versatile sparkling wine from the team at Chandon. Juggling sweetness and acidity beautifully, expect a wine rich with smells of ripe stone fruit, sweet spice and fresh-baked bread. A broad creamy texture and a charge of tiny bubbles make way for a long and beautifully balanced finish on the palate. Serve the cuvee riche with a plate of chocolate macaroons.