Deutz : Cuvée William Deutz 2014

With a delicate, lively bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, confit citrus, spices, pastry and spring blossoms, the 2014 Cuvee William Deutz Brut Millesime possesses a medium to full-bodied, enrobing and charming palate that is perfectly balanced, with bright acids and a pinpoint mousse, concluding with gastronomic bitterness. This is a blend of 67% Pinot Noir (sourced in the villages of Aÿ, Bouzy and Verzenay), 28% Chardonnay (from Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly and Villers-Marmery) and the rest Pinot Meunier from the village of Chamery. It is a classic, elegant and delicate Champagne that could age gracefully over the next 5-8 years.

A lovely, mouthwatering Champagne, creamy and finely meshed, this is only slowly revealing layered flavors of Golden Delicious apple and orchard blossoms, chopped hazelnut and fleur de sel, candied ginger and oyster shell as they expand on the luxurious mousse and linger on the finish. Drink now through 2034. 1,667 cases made.

This shows some savory soy and tobacco notes alongside biscuit, buttered toast and spiced pear. There’s a lemony freshness throughout. It’s creamy and medium-bodied with rounded, silky bubbles. Buttery and flavorful. Drink now.

Full bottle 1,695 g. Brioche and pastry-sweet melted butter. Interestingly, although it shows many of the hallmarks of long lees ageing, it’s neither long nor nearly as complex as some of the other Deutz champagnes. When I tasted it blind alongside several other champagnes, my note was: ‘pleasant, fresh, refreshing, but uncomplicated and short’. I’ve retasted it three times since and come to the same conclusion. I wonder why? (TC)

The 2014 Brut Millésimé William Deutz is a very beautiful wine. Soft and caressing, with lovely freshness, the 2014 impresses with its impeccable balance. Citrus confit, kirsch, marzipan, chamomile and spice notes open nicely. The Pinot feels especially upfront today, both in the wine's textural feel and flavor profile. Brisk acids pull it all together on the close. This is a terrific 2014.

Medium golden yellow with brassy reflections and a delicate, persistent mousse. Ripe stone fruit nuances show on the nose, with a hint of honey, peach and citrus zest. White flowers and a hint of orange blossom add floral lightness, with some baked goods in the background. Powerful and elegant on the palate with ripe nectarines showing again, alongside brioche notes and velvety texture. Some mineral freshness on the finish, with a herbal and savoury aftertaste backed by fine acidity. Certainly further ageing potential here.

A definitely mature Champagne, this has a soft character. With this softness comes an almost sweet style of Brut. The wine is ready to drink.