Drappier : Grande Sendrée 2012

A tightly meshed Champagne, slowly revealing layers of ripe black cherry, blood orange granita, blanched almond, crystallized honey and oyster shell flavors as they ride the fine, creamy, satiny mousse. Reveals saline tang that works in tandem with finely knit acidity to create a mouthwatering finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2032. 500 cases imported.

Elegant and layered, with notes of lemons, white peaches, pears, nutmeg and almond croissants. It’s salty, dry and sophisticated, with very fine bubbles. Drink now or hold. From organically grown grapes. Unfiltered. 4 g/L dosage. Drink now.

Medium yellow gold with silver reflections and a very fine, persistent mousse. Attractive nuances of brioche and roasted aromas, underlaid with ripe yellow stone fruit, some mango and blossom honey. Juicy, powerful and full of energy on the palate, with a firm texture, delicate extract sweetness at the core, and a firm mineral note on the finish. Nuances of wood show on the aftertaste, making for a grown-up food partner. (PM).

Fermented and aged in wood before bottling, this is an impressive Champagne. It is a ripe well-matured wine, blending Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With a yeasty aroma and a deep sense of contentment, the wine is rich and ready to drink.

In 2012, severe weather conditions posed significant challenges for the Drappier family; hail impacted almost 70% of their village, and frost hit 20% of the La Grande Sendrée plot. This resulted in a limited yield of the 2012 Brut Grande Sendrée, which has a delicate, deep bouquet with aromas of pear, peach, orchard fruit, baked bread and spices. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s a layered and structured, tension-filled but ethereal Champagne with racy acidity. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, disgorged with 4.9 grams per liter dosage.