Tasting Notes
Richard Juhlin 95-96
Again, almost a Blanc de Noirs signed Dominique Demarville strongly dominated by Verzy. However, the small addition of Chardonnay comes exclusively from the two strongest perfumes in the Côte des Blancs, Avize and Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger and their impact is significantly greater than the percentage indicates. An absolutely wonderful and surprisingly open and generous 2012.The color is lighter and with more green splashes than expected and the perfume is seductive and complete. Here, buttery notes dance together with the whole patisserie, all kinds of apple varieties, mandarin, nougat, white chocolate, peach marmalade and hazelnut cream in a completely harmonious way already. I will drink my bottles of this champagne much earlier than I will with the slowly evolving and much tighter 08′. This brilliant champagne is very reminiscent of how the later legendary 79′ tasted like as newly launched.
Vinous 93
The 2012 La Grande Dame is terrific. In fact, it is one of the finest recent Grande Dames I can remember tasting. Vibrant and tense, the 2012 exudes energy. At this stage, the natural richness of the 2012 vintage is hidden behind the wine’s bright, salivating acids. Green apple, pear, mint and white pepper add a brilliant aromatic top register. I would cellar the 2012 for at least a few years, as it is nowhere near ready to drink.
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2042
