Alfred Gratien : Brut Millésimé Édition Limitée 160 Ans 2008

This is a creamy, complex and layered Champagne that has aromas of lemons, truffles, pie crust, figs, spiced apples and salted caramel. It’s silky and rich, yet bright, with lively acidity and very fine bubbles. Long and delicious. Disgorged in 2024. Drink now or hold.

The 2008 Brut Millésimé Édition Limitée 160 Ans, a blend of 56% Chardonnay, 23% Pinot Meunier and 21% Pinot Noir, was vinified in small oak barrels without malolactic fermentation and spent almost 15 years on lees. The surprisingly youthful nose offers smooth, slightly lemony toastiness followed by a cloud of reductive smokiness. The palate showcases serene smoothness with a vein of bright, taut freshness surrounded by creamy mousse, revealing nuances of toasted rye bread, white pepper, fresh tart apple and smooth plum, all with smokiness and spiced overtones of nutmeg and cardamom. The superb freshness on the finish adds youthful verve and juiciness. What a lovely wine. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2024. - Anne Krebiehl MW