2004 De Saint Gall Orpale Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
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Orpale is the prestige cuvée from Champagne de Saint-Gall. The Blanc de Blancs is sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in the villages of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize and Oger, with over a decade on its lees. 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.
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Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The first zero-dosage version of Orpale was the 2002; this is the second release from the Avize-based co-op. Though it's bone dry, it smells slightly sweet and earthy, reminiscent of lemon-poppyseed cake. Age has brought on some caramel notes to add richness and roundness but it's overall light and simple, more about texture than flavour complexity. (TQT)
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