Armand de Brignac Blanc de Blancs con Estuche

The NV Blanc de Blancs (tasted from the 0.75-liter bottle) is a pure Chardonnay sourced in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims and is a blend of the 2005, 2006 and 2008 vintages. The cuvée (Lot L107A8) opens with a clear, fresh and intense bouquet of ripe fruits and some chalky flavors. Full-bodied, terribly fresh and with good grip and tension, this is a persistent, salty-mineral and still a bit nervous Blanc de Blancs with good aging potential. (The magnum sells for $1,500.) Tasted April 2018.

In its silver-coated bottle with the “Ace of Spades” logo, this is a crisp, mineral-driven wine, full of acidity and with a bright character on the dry side of brut. Young with layers of apple fruits, it will age. Drink now for the fruit or keep for maturity from 2018. This is one of five Champagnes by entrepreneur and rapper Jay Z under the Armand de Brignac Empire brand that is produced by the Cattier family, in Champagne since 1763. 

This is the third addition to the range, launched around 2011. Again, it's a blend of 2009, 2010 and 2012, with 50% of the Chardonnay sourced from Cattier’s own vineyards in Montagne de Reims, and the other 50% from the Côte des Blanc - mostly from the village of Cramant. This is definitely more complex, rounder and richer than your average Blanc de Blancs. Grapefruit and white flower aromas come to mind. While opulent, it is focussed, with tremendous depth wrapped up by a backbone of acidity. A hardly noticeable dosage of 8g/l.