Alfred Gratien : Cuvée Paradis Brut Rosé Édition Limitée Sleeve 2008

The 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Paradis from Alfred Gratien reveals aromas of orange zest, hazelnuts, baked biscuits and spices mingled with delicate notes of red berries. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and creamy, it is tense and also has an oxidative personality that segues into a mouthwatering, orange peel-tinged finish. This is a blend of 63% Chardonnay and 37% Pinot Noir.

Minerally on the nose, with chalk and stone notes underscoring flavors of white peach and strawberry, toasted brioche and lemon parfait. Like raw silk on the palate, this is well-meshed, showing textural finesse. Mouthwatering acidity keeps this fresh and vibrant throughout. Drink now through 2026. 1,000 cases made, 150 cases imported.

A dense, ample and flavorful brut rosé, showcasing notes of peaches, apricots, currants and some toasted sourdough. Succulent and tangy with plenty of acidulated small-berry character at the center. Quite intense with volume and focus. Delicious, vivid finish. Disgorged in 2023. Drink now.

The 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Paradis, a blend of 63% Chardonnay and 37% Pinot Noir from premiers and grands crus, was vinified in small oak barrels without malolactic fermentation and spent 13 years on lees. Subtle cream and caramel-dipped rye bread notes with an overtone of cherry express themselves on the exquisitely youthful nose. The palate offers beautifully salty rye sourdough depth and texture, creamy yet taut, with an absolutely fine mousse that foams away with tiny, insistent bubbles lending vivacity and creaminess. This immensely gastronomic Rosé boasts lasting length, real cut and superb freshness. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2023. - Anne Krebiehl MW

Revealing a jeweled pink/orange color, the 2008 Champagne Cuvée Paradis Brut Rosé takes on more layered and nutty aromas in its notes of hazelnut, ripe peach, crushed strawberries, and brioche. The palate is round, with a frothy mousse and a pithy texture through the finish. It’s approachable and showing well now, but it’s already showing a bit too much maturity for me to recommend it over the long haul. Disgorged November 2023.