Champagne Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut 2015

Moët & Chandon is one of the great wine brands of the world, and unquestionably one of the most famous Champagne houses. It was founded in 1743 in Épernay and is known for its consistency, elegance, and innovation. It’s also known as the house behind one of the most famous tête de cuvées of all: Dom Pérignon. But within its own cuvées, Moët has so much more to discover. Over its centuries long history, these wines found favor with French dignitaries such as Louis XV and Napoleon, and even became the official supplier of Queen Elizabeth II’s bubbly needs.

This excellent Champagne happens to be only the 76th vintage bottling of Moët & Chandon, who only makes wine in the best vintages – something quite unique when you consider they have been at it since 1743! Moët’s own website says about the 2015 vintage that it “was a year of tension, dramatic heat and uncertainty.” We all know that anything worth having is worth working hard for, as this quote suggests, and truer words have never been spoken. We also know that 2015 is shaping up to have developed some of the greatest Champagne in recent history! Through all the oppressive heat, yields were smaller than average, but the fruit that persevered was absolutely exceptional. And you can find that power here in the wine today!

With a cepage of 44% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and 24% Meunier, you’ll get a sampling of Champagne’s terroir in the form of its noblest grapes. The sexy body of the Pinot Noir plays a leading role with powerfully ripe fruit, alongside the supporting actors of the Chardonnay’s zippy acidity and Meunier’s round suppleness. Sweet, ripe, macerated cherries dominate, with hints of green apples, toasted almonds, and a decadent chantilly cream, followed by the appearance of flinty rocks and the autolytic brioche notes that showcase the wine’s age. It works together magically and harmoniously, like a wonderful symphony – and well deserving of both an encore and an ovation. Now 10 years young and well-suited to both a further cellaring or a delectable popping and savoring in the here and now – you simply cannot go wrong with this fantastic Champagne! 97 points and a true wonder of Grande Marque deliciousness!