Moet&ChandonGrandVintageExtra-Brut2015

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. The 76th vintage since the House was founded in 1743.rrWeather: 2015 is remembered for its classic growth cycle. The particularly mild winter gave way to a varied spring with a period of freezing temperatures followed by intense heat. The vines reached full bloom at the usual times, during a sunny and dry month of June. It was a glorious summer with plenty of sunshine and little rain. The ripening of the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays was given a boost at the end of August by some long-awaited rainfall. The crops were harvested in mid-September under the cool autumnal skies, giving rise to elegant, fresh and fruity wines, worthy of labelling as true “classicsâ€?rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: Predominantly Grand & Premier CrusrGrape Varieties: 44% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay & 24% MeunierrDisgorged: December 2023rLees Ageing: 7 yearsrDosage: 5 g/lrCork: Mytik Diam Technological rDrink: Now to 2035+rrTasting Note: On the nose, initial notes of breadcrumbs, fresh brioche and almond paste give way to elderflower and jasmine, then to white peach and watermelon. An enveloping palate with floral, aniseed and mentholated nuances bringing lightness and freshness. The finish lingers on a delicate bitterness evoking fresh almonds.