NV Guy Charlemagne Reserve
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Tasting notes
The Guy Charlemagne NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Reserve LRGC11 is dominated by lusciously juicy fresh apple, lime and apricot, nicely reinforced by residual sugar that shows as faint sweetness. Bitterness of apple and lime pips and tart apple skin help engender a highly stimulating if slightly rustic finish. I would plan on drinking this over the coming year. Philippe (son of Guy) Charlemagne farms 37 acres, principally in Le Mesnil and Oger, but with a substantial chunk in the Sezanne and a bit elsewhere in the Cote des Blancs. Most of the wines are raised in tank and most undergo malo-lactic conversion. I tasted only two of their cuvees this year, and only one from the Cote des Blancs. Importer: Charles Neal Selections (various importers), Richmond, CA; tel. (415) 225-5144
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Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Reserve is a gorgeous wine laced with minerals, graphite, crushed rocks and bright, citrus fruit. A graceful, elegant wine, the Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Reserve floats on the palate in a focused, beautifully delineated style. The finish is exceptionally elegant and refined. Readers looking for a textbook Blanc de Blancs from Mesnil at an affordable price need look no further. This is superb juice, and is also a noticeable step up from the NV Extra Brut for just a few dollars more. The Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Reserve is Chardonnay from the limestone-rich soils of Mesnil. Disgorged: July, 2009, (not indicated on the label). Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. This small estate works predominantly with fruit from the famed village of Mesnil, with the exception of the entry-level Extra Brut, which is made from vineyards in the Sezanne. Importer: Willette Wines, New York, NY; tel. (646) 619-1350