PierrePetersLesMontjolysBlancdeBlancsGrandCru2012

Pierre Péters, one of Champagne’s most renowned growers, produces mostly Blanc de Blancs champagnes, which arerated as some of the finest produced in the region. The Domaine is based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger consisting of 82 plots over nearly 20 hectares of sustainably-managed vineyards, sixteen of which lie within the Côte des Blancs, primarily in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, as well as the other prized villages of Avize, Cramant, Oger and Vertus. Sixth-generation owner, Rodolphe Péters took over the running of the family estate from his father, François in 2008, having been involved in the assemblage since 2000. He initiated the house’s ‘perpetual reserveâ€?of reserve wines in the late 1990s. A graduate in oenology and business, Rodolphe believes that “a good winemaker must listen to his raw materials,â€?practising minimal intervention both the winery and the vineyards.rrLes Montjolys single-vineyard cuvee comes from seven parcels within the only site in Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger where argile a silex is found. The deep clay soils give Les Montjolys its richer, smokier character and more rounded, creamy texture. 2012 was the first release of ‘Les Montjolys’rrThe seven parcels were all vinified separately. Fermentation took place in stainless steel and remained in tank on their lees (with regular tastings) until the assemblage. Following the second fermentation, the wine aged for a minimum of six years on lees before disgorgement.rrWeather: The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. The winter months brought some frosts and hail which damaged the early stages of bud burst. August and September were mostly dry very warm and this helped rescue and give the grapes a stunning maturity.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger in the heart of the Côte des BlancsrGrape Varieties: 100% ChardonnayrWinemaker: Rodolphe PétersrLees Ageing: 6 yearsrDisgorged: November 2018rDosage: 3.5 g/lrDrink: Now to 2030rrTasting Note: Ample and explosive, with tremendous backing energy, the Montjolys has so much going on. Orange marmalade, spice, butter, hazelnut and lemon confit are front and center. More than anything else, the Les Montjolys possesses tons of breadth and resonance, not to mention considerable character.