Barons de Rothschild : The Rothschild Rare Vintage 2010

A lacy Champagne, offering a core of salted almond, melon and kumquat flavors, backed by bright, lemony acidity. Lithe and refreshing, with oyster shell and ground ginger notes playing on the finish. Drink now until 2030. 520 cases made, 60 cases imported.

The 2010 Rare Vintage from Barons de Rothschild is a stunning Champagne right out of the gate. Citrus, floral and mineral notes literally explode out of the glass in a vibrant, wonderfully deep vintage Champagne that beautifully expresses the character of Chardonnay from the Côtes de Blancs. The 2010 is a blend of fruit from Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, all Grand Cru villages. It was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak and then saw relatively long élevage of around ten months prior to being bottled in July 2011. Dosage was around 4 grams per liter. Production is just over 6,000 bottles, which is tiny for the region. The 2010 Rare Vintage is an especially vinous Champagne that is also a perfect example of a trend I have written about over these last few years, and that is large houses quietly making wines that expose the more adventurous style often seen in the most progressive of the grower domaines. (Originally published in August 2020)

Light golden colour with fine vivid bubbles. The nose displays some patisserie notes with brioche, butter, vanilla, sweet peach and ripe citrus. The palate combines ripe stone fruit flavours with a bright acidity and mild creaminess, good grip and a long lingering finish with an approaching aged complexity.

(100% Chardonnay, production 6,420 bottles) Finely mineral, delicately etched bouquet: chalk, yellow fruit, subtle yeast notes, biscuit dough. Silky, refined palate with gentle fruit, fine mousse, fresh aromatics, and a polished finish. 18/20 drink until 2035