NV Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Haute Lamble

Bouchard’s NV (2008) Blanc de Blancs Roses de Jeanne Haute-Lamblee is beautiful when first opened, but then finds its crystalline purity and tension in the glass. Constantly changing, it reveals multiple levels of dimension and depth. Lemon, freshly cut white flowers and crushed rocks come alive in this vivid, highly expressive Champagne. My sense is that the 2008 isn’t showing all of its cards yet. At the same time, the fruit is incredibly rich, making the wine a pure pleasure to taste today. Disgorged April 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Cedric Bouchard remains one of the most fascinating exponents in Champagne. A visit to this tiny domaine in sleepy Celles-sur-Ource is a must for those who want to see some of the most immaculate vineyards in Champagne first-hand. As always, the Bouchard’s approach focuses on single-vintage, single-variety and single parcel wines. This year I found Bouchard’s Blancs de Noirs particularly superb. Sadly, there is no Rose in 2008. Readers might also want to take a look at my video on these four wines recently posted on our site. A Thomas Calder Selection, imported by: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404, Farm Wine Imports, San Francisco, (CA); tel. (408) 644-2077, Vineyard Road, Framingham, (MA); tel. (508) 532-1184