2000 Jacquesson Avize Grand Cru

The 2000 Brut Avize Grand Cru reveals sweet, open aromatics that lead to a generous core of ripe fruit that blossoms on the palate with highly perfumed, almost candied qualities. This rich, round wine possesses superb energy and length. While the 2000 doesn’t quite have the focus of the finest vintages of this wine, it is fairly accessible at this stage. The 2000 Brut Avize Grand Cru is 100% Chardonnay sourced from the Champ Gain, La Fosse and Nemery vineyards. This is Lot AV00.4, disgorged in the 1st quarter of 2008. Simply put, this is a gorgeous wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Jacquesson, based in Dizy, is one of the most consumer-friendly producers in Champagne when it comes to its labels, which includes information on the number of bottles produced, disgorgement date, dosage, varietal blend, and source of fruit. Importer: Vintage 59 Imports, Washington DC; tel (202) 966-9218.

(LAV004; disgorged 1st Quarter, 2008) Bright yellow-gold. Smoky pear, orange and floral aromas are complicated by anise and wet stones. Pure, sharply focused and juicy, with spicy citrus and pit fruit flavors complicated by slow-building smokiness. The finish features softer melon and poached pear qualities and leaves a dusty, smoky trail of minerals behind. Very pretty Champagne.

Brioche and bread, toffee apple and ripe, crisp citrus – melon. Also quite a firm style, quite tight, but emerging complexity makes this quite intriguing. Certainly a keeper.