2002 Tarlant Brut Nature L'Etincelante (disgorged 2018)
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This is a gorgeous vintage Champagne from Tarlant – one of the region’s most exciting Growers. The House has a long history making wine in the Marne Valley (since the 17th century), but it is the current generation Benoît and Mélanie that has really put the property on the map. Working organically, they focus on long lees ageing and low dosage to produce exceptional wines that speak of their terroir. This 2002 – a fantastic vintage for the region – is a blend of 57% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir and 14% Meunier. The base wine was fermented in oak, with no malolactic fermentation and it spent over 15 years on lees – allowing for zero dosage. The result is a wine of power, depth and precision. In a distinctly Grower, oxidative style, the nose is filled with nutty, honeyed tones and something almost reminiscent of Amontillado Sherry, as well as bright citrus fruit. The palate is driven by its engine of pinpoint acidity, but there’s incredible roundness and texture with a concentrated, vibrant core of fruit. The finish is long, mineral with oyster-shell, almost iodine, freshness. A Champagne that deserves to be savoured.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2002 Champagne l'Etincelante Brut Nature is 57% Pinot Noir, 29%, Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, and was aged for 15 years on the lees prior to disgorgement in September 2018. It comes from two terroirs of Campanian chalk and Lutetian limestone. A medium yellow hue, its nose is floral with pure red fruits of marasca cherry, rose petal, croissant dough, and chalk. The mousse is refined and adds richness where it is otherwise is driving with mineral persistence. It is quite remarkable in that the texture is so well rounded when it could feel mean. It is still youthful at this stage and will continue to improve over the coming 20 or so years.
An assemblage of 57% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier, the 2002 Millésime Prestige l'Étincelante (literally: the sparkling one) opens with an exciting bouquet that displays lovely matured yet precise fruit aromas along with brioche, stony and flinty notes. On the palate, the 2002 is intense, firm and vibrantly fresh, showing a juicy, chalky texture and stimulating salinity in the long yet still young finish. This is one of the best vintage Champagnes I have tasted here so far. Tasted in April 2018.