The most intriguing thing about crossing the threshold into a new year can be the uncertainty of what lies ahead. So to help improve our odds of success, we’ll be uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs.
Since we’ve discovered some astonishing examples of these artisanal wines during 2012, why stop now? We’ll ring-in the new year with this bottle from Cédric Bouchard, a producer who's gained an almost rock star status in the wine world.
He’s known for “single-vineyard, single vintage and single-grape bottlings.” (Imperatrice Fine Wines) Bouchard founded his own champagne house, Roses de Jeanne, in 2000 looking “to produce the unique and recognizable champagne wines different from all [of] others.”
Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010 (from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors) is described as ...
- “sweet red berries … flowers and mint … a weightless, crystalline finish” (Wine Library)
- “hand harvested … crushed by foot … unfined … unfiltered" (Polaner Selections)
- “stunning textural elegance … fabulous balance” (56 Degree Wine)
The drinking window for maximum enjoyment is open through 2018, but after reading these comments, we just couldn’t wait. We’ll uncork this bottle on the eve of 2013, see if it lives up to the hype, and report back in this post – watch our tweets for an update notice.
Update (1.2.13) Our Tasting Notes: Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010
- “scent of sugary caramel … loved the back-of-the-throat grab”
- “good, long finish (can still taste that sip long afterwards)”
- “appley, citrus character on first taste”
- “yin-yang on my tongue (sweet in front, tart in back)
- "All the terroir is here. This is what 2010 tasted like at this vineyard.”
- “No one messed with this wine, they just delivered the best of the vineyard’s flavor to our glasses, with a dash of sparkle!”
Not surprisingly, this special Champagne benefits from not being over-chilled. We enjoyed it more as it warmed and opened over a couple of hours. It was the perfect complement to our New Year's Eve plates of salumi, cheeses, and breads – even holding its own with our favorite Boston Cream Pie from Flour Bakery.
We were impressed and can’t wait to discover more gems from the vineyards of Cédric Bouchard – the search is on!
Related Posts:
It's New Year's each month with Our Sparkling Resolution
Here's Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List
Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon
The Food Lover's Guide to Wine
The New Wine Lover's Companion
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino
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