Grand Cru Mesnil Chardonnay: Elegance and Richness
-the 1996 received 93 points from the Wine Advocate
This proved to be a surprise to many who tasted it. This vintage has many qualities of the other Champagnes Guy Charlemagne but it has added complexity from oak aging. It has a richer yellow color than the Réserve, and has a vanilla component in the nose which marries very well with the yeasty and toasty character of the vintage style. It seems more rich, lush, and complex than the NV, owing to the fact that it is aged well over four years on the lees. The mousse is very fine and persistent with some hazelnut notes on the nose and palate. A lingering citrus note intermingles with floral tones and a rich, creamy and expansive mouthfeel, more feminine than the Non-Vintage. This is a great Champagne for special occasions, and absolutely the best quality one can find: Grand Cru Mesnil Chardonnay. This is the three best vintages in two decades with great ripeness and excellent balancing acidity. A must try for lovers of Taittinger Comte de Champagne or Ruinarts Blancs de Blanc (at half the price!). Miss this, and you can only blame yourself!