Orpale Oenotheque Collection Case (1998, 2002, 2004, 2008)

The Orpale Oenothèque Collection Case offers a selection of fine vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne – containing four vintages of Champagne de Saint-Gall’s prestige cuvée, Orpale. Mad exclusively with Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, it’s a brilliant wine that ages beautifully – and they disgorge the wines on demand for release, meaning these wines are “late-disgorged” bottlings (find tasting notes for each vintage below). Each case contains one bottle (75cl) each of: 1998 Orpale, 2002 Orpale, 2004 Orpale and 2008 Orpale. 2008 Orpale This is incredibly mineral, full of crushed chalk and incredible power. The wine is taut, long and zingy, with such freshness and a tight core of tangy lime. It’s finely balanced, with 7g/l dosage and a smoky scent to the elegant finish. Electric. 2004 Orpale The 2004 is in a lovely place, with hints of sous-bois starting to emerge alongside the bright fruit. There is a creamy edge to the nose which contrasts the vivid, piercing palate, with juicy apricot and tart lemon notes filling the supple palate, and a buttery finish. The dosage is a modest 4g/l. 2002 Orpale Now over two decades old, this is a deep, golden shade in the glass – and yet the wine still tastes incredibly youthful. It has a real brightness, tropical, almost mango fruit, more delicate floral tones and pithy grapefruit. Linear, chalky, driven with gorgeous vibrancy and 3g/l dosage, this is a stunning wine that will continue to evolve over the next five-plus years. 1998 Orpale This is layered with aromas of lemon peel, butter, rich pastry, nectarine fruit and mineral tones. There’s great balance between earthier, more savoury notes and bright fruit. There’s thrilling tension on the palate, with a long finish full of sugared almonds. This has such lovely balance now, it’s best savoured over the next few years. What a wine!