2002 Jacquesson Ay Vauzelle Terme
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Jacquesson’s 2002 Brut Ay Vauzelle Terme oozes class. A big, intense wine, the Vauzelle Terme is endowed with stunning depth. Pinot Noir seems inherently better suited to vinification in oak, and it shows in this vivid, kaleidoscopic Champagne. Seemingly endless layers of fruit built to a huge, creamy finish that satisfies all of the senses. Even with all of its density, there is plenty of underlying energy and finesse to ensure many years of fine, highly pleasurable drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. I have to say, I was totally blown away by the wines I tasted with proprietor Jean-Herve Chiquet at Jacquesson this year. I can’t think of another estate in Champagne that has so successfully transformed itself in just a handful of years. Most Champagne fans are familiar with the house’s 700-series NV wines, which remain absolutely delicious, fairly priced and relatively easy to find. Over the last ten years so, Jacquesson has also stepped up their program of single-vineyard wines. Quantities are tiny and prices are high, but these are now some of the most compelling wines in the entire region. If you haven’t tasted the Jacquesson wines lately, you owe it to yourself to do so. Importer: Vintage 59 Imports, Washington DC; tel. (202) 966-9218
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Jacquesson's 2002 BrutAy Vauzelle Terme oozes class. A big, intense wine, the Vauzelle Terme is endowed with stunning depth. Pinot Noir seems inherently better suited to vinification in oak, and it shows in this vivid, kaleidoscopic Champagne. Seemingly endless layers of fruit built to a huge, creamy finish that satisfies all of the senses. Even with all of its density, there is plenty of underlying energy and finesse to ensure many years of fine, highly pleasurable drinking.
The 2002 Brut Ay – Vauzelle Terme is arguably the most interesting of these three 2002 lieu-dit Champagnes from Jacquesson. Ripe red berries, flowers, spices and mint are some of the many notes that emerge from this fleshy, opulent Champagne. The Pinot Noir seems better suited to the vinification and aging in oak. The aromas and flavors meld together seamlessly on the round, creamy finish. The Ay – Vauzelle Terme is stunning, especially if given some time in the glass. Dosage is 2 grams per liter.
(100% pinot noir, from a 0.3-hectare vineyard that was planted in 1980; raised in large oak; 2 g/l dosage ): Bright yellow-gold. The most perfumed of this set of bottlings, showing an intense flower shop quality and suggestions of red berries, anise and peppery spices on the nose and palate. Quite chewy in texture but carrying no excess weight. Broad, rich and tactile Champagne but also strikingly precise and mineral-driven, with excellent finishing breadth and length.