This superb vintage Champagne pours well with a white frothy mousse that shows excellent hold. Once dissipated a pale straw coloured base wine is revealed possessing an exceptionally fine and very profuse bead. Classic Champagne sniff with aromas of yeast lees and baked bread dominate followed by a hint of citrus and some brioche. The palate possesses plenty of finesse and good richness with flavours of yeast lees, baked bread and citrus followed by some toast and cashew on the back palate. Clean dry finish. Creamy mouthfeel with long yeast lees, baked bread, toast and cashew aftertaste.

Every Grand Vintage is unique and original, the cellar master’s personal, free interpretation in service of the singular qualities of that year’s grapes. The spirit of Grand Vintage is founded on three essential values; freedom of interpretation, selection of the year’s most remarkable wines, and respect for the individuality of each vintage for finely aged champagnes which stand out for their maturity, complexity and charisma.

Although temperatures were in line with 30-year averages, 2008 can still be considered a cooler year in comparison to the last decade, similar to 2004 and 1998. Winter was mild and spring mostly rainy and grey. Summer was particularly cool but, fortunately, dry as well. September was the key month for the 2008 vintage: the initial rains were swept away by a north-westerly wind that favoured proper ripening, healthy grapes and a smooth harvest, which was officially open from September 12th to 27th. At 9°8, the potential alcohol level fell within the averages for the decade and it was the high acid balance (8.6 g H2SO4/l total acidity per 2.98 pH) that was the salient characteristic of this vintage, which was preceded by several “warm” vintages. Such acidity in a mature vintage had not been encountered since 1995 and 1996. In another significant occurrence, all three varietals were in perfect health.

Colour:
Bright pale yellow with glimmers of green. Fine, dynamic bead.

Nose:
Initial floral notes of linden, honeysuckle and acacia with citrus nuances evocative of bergamot and mandarin orange zest along with a dash of anise and green tomato. Following are notes of just-ripe stone fruits—white peach, nectarine and Mirabelle plums.
The bouquet is completed by gentle scents of pastry, brioche, frangipane, almonds and vanilla with a slight hint of white pepper.

Palate:
This vintage is vivacious and lively. The underlying acidity orients the linear, focused palate; the tautness is enveloped and channelled by the texture of succulent notes of white fruits which envelop and channel the freshness toward a vibrant, mouth-watering finish with a lingering note of citrus fruit.