1996 Deutz Brut Millésimé Cuvée William Deutz
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Tasting notes
55% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier. This wine and the 1990 arrived late due to issues with the delivery so were less chilled than the other vintages. According to Deutz president Fabrice Rosset, this was a beautiful vintage but he thought that it would not suit Amour de Deutz so he did not produce one – now thinks it was a mistake. Disgorged 2005, TA 5.2 g/l (expressed as sulphuric), pH c 3. Pale gold. Very delicate: citrus and a touch of honey, even slightly floral. Finesse and elegance and really quite tight on the palate. But not particularly complex. Great freshness. ‘Too fruity and flowery for the Deutz style’, said Rosset. Acidity is pretty marked but just in balance. (JH)
Critic scores
Pierre Rovani
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Rich, deep aromas of creamed minerals and toast are intertwined with ripe apples in the complex nose of the 1996 Cuvee William Deutz. This classically structured Champagne regales the palate with toasty apples. Rich, concentrated, and exceptionally long, it is fully mature and will particularly appeal to those who crave the complexity of wines with bottle age. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines USA Inc., Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286.2000
Medium straw. Captivating aromas of beeswax, smoked meat, truffle, poached pear and ripe fig. Broad and fleshy on the palate, with a deep, smoky quality along with apple pie, lavender and subtle brown sugar flavors. As ripe and round as this may be, it's also precise and focused. Finishes with very good concentration. Should reward cellaring.
Coppery tinge. Powerful nose with some appley notes. Some sweetness on the front palate but not quite as tightly laced and well structured and fine as some other 1996s. An early bloomer. Vigorous mousse. (JR)