Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Blend Champagne Rosé NV

A firm Champagne, offering tightly wound flavors of currant, blackberry and butter, with a hint of malt. The spicy acidity provides definition and cut, with a smoky thread lingering on the modest finish. Best from 2011 through 2014. -AN (a 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir; disgorged June, 2009) Pale yellow with an abundant mousse. Highly perfumed bouquet of white flowers, orange, lemongrass and smoky herbs. Complex, palate-staining citrus and pit fruit flavors are complemented by lemon verbena and fresh sage, with mounting back-end smokiness. Gains power with air and finishes with very good breadth and spicy persistence. (basically a 50/50 blend of pinot and chardonnay with a pinch of pinot meunier; 80% '04, 20% '02 fruit; disgorged November, 2008). A moderately complex nose displays some yeast and a bit of age on the nuanced and layered nose of citrus and rose petal that introduces amply effervescent flavors that display excellent complexity on the lingering and, like the Rosé, sappy finish. However, the mouth feel is not nearly as refined or sophisticated. Still, this is better than the last release I saw. The NV Brut Cuvee Sainte-Anne is a wonderfully rich, creamy wine that seems to be dominated by the significant presence of red grapes and a warm 2005 base vintage. There is lovely richness and density to be found in the glass, but with air the wine's chalky minerality emerges to add complexity and length. The Sainte-Anne is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a dash of Meunier, 80% 2005 juice with the addition of 10% each 2001 and 2002. Disgorged: June, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. This is a striking set of wines from Alexandre Chartogne, a young grower inspired by Anselme Selosse. Chartogne has begun converting his vineyards to biodynamic farming and is giving his wines less malolactic fermentation than in the past, which may explain, at least in part, why these wines seem more mineral-driven and less overt than in the past. Whatever the reason(s), the wines are simply beautiful and are all highly recommended.

WS: 90 Points ST: 90 Points AMB: 90 Points RP: 89 Points

A firm Champagne, offering tightly wound flavors of currant, blackberry and butter, with a hint of malt. The spicy acidity provides definition and cut, with a smoky thread lingering on the modest finish. Best from 2011 through 2014. -AN (a 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir; disgorged June, 2009) Pale yellow with an abundant mousse. Highly perfumed bouquet of white flowers, orange, lemongrass and smoky herbs. Complex, palate-staining citrus and pit fruit flavors are complemented by lemon verbena and fresh sage, with mounting back-end smokiness. Gains power with air and finishes with very good breadth and spicy persistence. (basically a 50/50 blend of pinot and chardonnay with a pinch of pinot meunier; 80% '04, 20% '02 fruit; disgorged November, 2008). A moderately complex nose displays some yeast and a bit of age on the nuanced and layered nose of citrus and rose petal that introduces amply effervescent flavors that display excellent complexity on the l...