2000 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs

The 2000 Brut Fleur de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a mid-weight offering redolent of flowers, jasmine, honey and apricots. The wine shows pretty inner perfume in an accessible, easygoing style. The Blanc de Blancs is made from two parcels in Cramant, and was disgorged on October 16th, 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Perrier-Jouet is a large producer based in Epernay that is most famous for its striking “flower bottle” which remains one of Champagne’s most recognizable designs. The house favors a perceptibly sweet style, with dosage levels that are towards the high end of the range for the region. Few producers make it harder than Perrier-Jouet to discern a lot number. Readers will have to look in the punt of the bottles for the small, raised code which can then be traced back to a disgorgement date. Surely there must be a more consumer-friendly way to do things. Importer: Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 848-4743

Bright yellow with a strong bead. Smoky lemon, apple and anise aromas are deepened by toasty lees and yeasty bread. Supple, deep citrus and orchard fruit flavors are brightened by a subtle lemon zest quality. Broad and fleshy on the finish, which features a bitter pear skin quality and good finishing cling.