2012 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs
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Tasting notes
Vintage follows on from the highly successful 2008. Next vintage will be 2014 to be released end of 2021. Six grands crus: Oger, Le Mesnil, Avize, Cramant, Oiry and Chouilly (the last two newish and included only from 2008 but apparently this did not increase volume of production). This blend was Didier Depond's dream. Alain (ex chef de cave) said Chouilly grapes not perfect for Delamotte. Perhaps the only house to blend all six of these Côte des Blancs grands crus. Aged seven years on lees. Didier says it can age for ages. And recommends with chicken as well as fish. Dosage 5 g/l. Quite deep greenish gold. Tight bead. Relatively rich, mature nose. Again, as with the NV Blanc de Blancs, the dosage is perceptible – not sickly but this champagne is definitely sweeter than many I taste today. Friendly, delicately textured champagne. Not desperately persistent. But a very satisfactory food partner with sashimi. Nice spine. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Sweet apple fruit with a touch of bakery, as well as the mushroomy note of maturity. On the palate, it is a bit lighter than average perhaps, and the acidity seems softer in focus too. Moderate intensity but there is impressive length on the palate. Overall, this seems like great wine that is somehow muzzled – by the conditions of a tricky vintage, perhaps – or just by insufficient age? (RH)
A beautiful and rich blanc de blancs with cooked-apple and lemon aromas and flavors and just the right amount of lemon tart and pie crust. Full-bodied. Layered and flavorful. Drink now.
Brand new, follows 2008. To be launched in September 2019. Six different crus: Le Mesnil, Oger, Cramant, Chouilly, Avize, Oiry (added two more from 2008). Disgorged March 2019. Small volume: 80,000 bottles. ‘Super-difficult vintage. Finally mid September it came right but very careful selection was needed. Pinot Noir was especially difficult.’ Dosage 6 g/l. Again, tiny bead. Very straight and fine and refreshing. A little riper and softer than some of the archetypes but certainly easy to like. Quite long. Didier Depond (President of Champagne Salon) sees a parallel with Delamotte 2002. (JR)