André Clouet Brut Grande Réserve

What to expect - Pinot Noir specialist, for Blanc de Noirs lovers - Sensational producer - Pair with richer cheese, pâte and fresh cherries "Clouet captures the full, exuberant stature of Bouzy pinot noir in this luscious, succulent and generous style. Ripe, sweet red cherry, wild strawberry and plum fruits of fleshy, expansive mouthfeel are backed by a fanfare of bottle-derived complexity of mixed spice, gingernut biscuits and toffee. It lingers for a while, enlivened softly by the expressive chalk mineral definition of Bouzy." Tyson Stelzer Technical details 100% Bouzy and Ambonnay pinot noir; 2014 base vintage with reserves from 2012, 2010, 2008, 2005 and 2002; 8g/L dosage About the house A winemaking family of more than 2 centuries, the founder was a printer in Louis XV's court of Versailles and the wines are cellared under the family’s 17th century village house. The style of the labels reflects their heritage. Bouzy and Ambonnay are the epicentre of pinot noir in Champagne, and the Clouet family is the privileged custodian of eight hectares of estate vines in the best middle slopes of both villages. These are rich and concentrated expressions of pinot noir, wines of deep complexity, multifaceted interest and engaging character, yet with remarkable restraint and sense of control. Tasting after tasting confirm my impression that this small and relatively unknown grower ranks high among Champagne’s finest practitioners of pinot noir – and represents one of the best value of all.