Moet&ChandonGrandVintageExtra-Brut2008

Moët & Chandon are the most famous producers in Champagne. First founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, it was the marketing acumen of Rémy Moët which initiated the brand’s international fame and mass volume production. Since then, Moët & Chandon have grown by acquiring other champagne estates, selling them forward and keeping their prestigious vineyards. Such large-scale production could only operate under the leadership of a truly superb Chef de Caves and in Benoît Gouez, Moët have one of the best. With a ten-man oenologist team led by chief Dom Pérignon winemaker Vincent Chaperon, Benoît has access to the most academic minds and palates in the region, no doubt a huge driving factor behind his success. Now proprietors to the largest amount of land: some 1,190-hecatres of rich limestone soil, and the largest extent of cellars: over twenty eight kilometres.rrEvery Grand Vintage is unique and original, the Cellar Master’s interpretation of the singular year that is produced. The Möet & Chandon Grand Vintage spirit is founded on three essential values: Freedom of interpretation, selection of the year’s most remarkable wines and individuality of the vintage. rrWeather:After a rainy but mild winter without any prolonged cold spells, spring arrived with some very localised frosts. Cool weather returned in June and the infrequent sunshine prolonged the feeling of freshness. The spring to autumn weather was bright with sunny spells and the long, hot days and cool nights during September gave the grapes excellent acidity during the harvest period. The 2008 vintage is fast emerging as one of the best since the renowned and now-legendary 2002.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: Predominantly Grand & Premier CrusrGrape Varieties: 40% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir, 23% MeunierrAgeing: 7 years on the leesrDosage: 5 g/lrCork: Mytik Diam TechnologicalrDrink: Now to 2027rrTasting Note: Vanilla notes on the nose gradually expand into darker toastier notes of roasted almonds. On the palate deep flavours of fleshy fruits, peaches and grapefruit. There is a superb silky texture that combines with the full bodied Pinot Noir.