Telmont : Blanc de Noirs 2014

Full bottle 1,638 g. Sustainability tack pursued by new owners Rémy Cointreau. 49% of the vineyard – their own or their growers – currently certified or in conversion to organic and 100% is the aim by 2031. Wonderfully informative label. 61% Pinot Noir, 39% Pinot Meunier vinified in cask. Aged for six years in bottle and disgorged in 2021 with a dosage of 3.4 g/l. Pale apricot colour. Fully mature nose and rewarding palate which reaches every taste bud. Complete and absolutely ready to enjoy. Very obviously Pinot-based – deep flavours and not exceptional in terms of acidity despite the low dosage. Reasonably long. Could be enjoyed with or without food. (JR)

The 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs spent six years on tirage under natural cork. It is a blend of 61% Pinot Noir from the Aube, fermented in stainless steel, and 39% Pinot Meunier from Damery, fermented and aged in large 5,000-liter barrels. The smoky nose combines ripe plum with rye sourdough crumb amidst pleasant reductive notes. Very fine, tiny bubbles, with a real sense of saltiness. The palate is slender and elegant, with vivid freshness that speaks of the 2014 vintage. Very mouthwatering, with beautiful Pinot structure and fruit, yet exquisite slenderness. Dosage is 3.4 g/L. Disgorged: Q1 of 2021. - Anne Krebiehl MW