Duval-Leroy : Extra-Brut Prestige Premier Cru

The NV Extra-Brut Prestige Premier Cru opens with a clear, bright, fresh, complex and slightly smoky bouquet driven by chalky, lemon-scented Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (70%). These aromas are interwoven with the intensity and juicy fruit of 30% Pinot Noir sourced from Vertus, the Vallée de la Marne and the Montagne de Reims. The wine tasted here is L7173NG31, based on the 2014 vintage (55%) plus 45% reserve wines from the 2010 to 2013 vintages (2% of which was aged in oak barrels). It is a medium-bodied, fresh yet intense, concentrated, fairly complex and persistent Premier Cru with good structure, lingering fruit and grip. Disgorged in June 2017 with a dosage of five grams per liter.

A lovely nose suggests wheatmeal and lemon in a creamy embrace. The palate then sets a bright, ripe lemon top-note and backs this with a lovely, creamy, yeasty, enticingly tart heart of ripe Amalfi lemon zest. The closer you get to the long finish, the creamier this becomes. Altogether rather enticing.

Pale yellow-green, silver reflections, delicate mousse. Fine yellow tropical fruit, a hint of mango and blossom honey, delicate hints of cookie. Taut, tightly woven, green apple, lively structure, lime on the finish, fresh aperitif style.

An aromatic profile that is wide open, defined by notes of almond and dried fruits. You can sense the patina from the reserve wines, which brings complexity to the wine. The palate has notable breadth and quality; a hint of flavor evolution slightly diminishes the brightness on the finish.