This vintage Blanc de Blancs expresses the quintessence of the Barons de Rothschild style. Its tiny volume production has been subject to the same high standards of care as the Rothschild Family’s finest wines. 2010 was a rare vintage ideal for Chardonnay. The winegrowing year started out auspiciously with an early spring, but this promising start was then impeded by the very low temperatures in June which delayed the flowering. The summer brought thunderstorms, high temperatures, and humidity, which made it difficult for the Pinot Noir grapes in particular to ripen. The vineyard plots in the Côte des Blancs selected for this champagne benefit from an ideal exposure and the decision to pick the grapes at the end of the harvest enabled these Chardonnays to reach perfect maturity and very high quality.

100% Chardonnay from 4 Grands Crus exclusively from the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Vinification is in small 20-hl temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats and a small proportion in wooden barrels. Fermentation is by individual plots, with exclusive use of the cuvée, followed by a long, 9 months aging on the fine lees in small vats with regular bâtonnage (stirring of the lees). Late bottling was in July with additional bottle-aging on the lees for 8 years. The dosage was very light, 4-5 g/l, left to rest after disgorgement for 12 months.

This is perfect harmony in appearance, nose, and palate. The beautiful pale gold hue with crystalline reflections. The first nose is very mineral and chalky with notes of citrus fruit, fresh almonds, and hazelnuts. The second nose then reveals notes of spices, tonka beans, and nutmeg, underpinned by a lovely freshness. After several minutes, aromas of stone fruit, mocha, and praline with pastry overtones start to come through. The wine is broad on entry with a verticality on the palate that mirrors the minerality detected on the nose. The very fine saline and iodine notes, accompanied by touches of lemon and citrus fruit, give way to spicy notes that underpin the long, warm finish and reveal the perfect harmony that emanates from this wine.

This very fine Champagne will make any great dining experience even greater, complementing the flavors of the finest of dishes. This is a very versatile Champagne; its slightly saline character will marry perfectly with a tartare of scampi with citrus fruit or a poached turbot fillet, while its spicy finish will complement lightly spiced poultry breast or a veal medallion with morel mushrooms. This wine is best enjoyed between 8 and 10°C and its cellar-aging potential is excellent.