Mission Codename The Man with the Golden Bullet
Thought we had seen it all.
But $22 Premier Cru Champagne???!! AND $25 Grand Crus too?
What’s the world coming to? Anyone doubt we need MORE Champagne in 2022 and 2023?
Well, here we go, $22-25 all day, Wine Spies exclusives - until they sell out, and oh they so will.
Made under the auspices of “No.1 Champagne expert in the world” Richard Juhlin, originally for the Swedish market, Guldkula means ‘golden bullet’ and a figure like Juhlin appropriately nailed this mission in ONE-SHOT. They somehow could not sell these out fast enough there, so we got what we got, which is not much, but hopefully enough for you to stock up.
For these ‘designer cuvées’ Juhlin commissioned influential houses such as Burtin, de Venoge, R&L Legras, but mostly Mailly, who focuses on nothing but Grand Cru fruit. There are 3 other GEMS at the top of our Store here up for grabs, a Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay), a Blanc de Noirs and a Rosé (both 100% Pinot Noir) for after you secure enough (is there such a thing?) of this one, which according to the back label is mostly Grand Cru fruit too, including Le Mesnil! Whatever you pick, check out fast.
Mostly (almost ¾) Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay from Le Mesnil, this classy elixir starts ambitiously on a first look with a vivid mousse, with the same persistent bubbles echoed on the palate. But before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s the aromatics that captivate most, with hints of development on the fine lees via toasted biscuit and hazelnut cream accents peeking through a core of various citrus, apple, pear, and nectarine fruits. Almost an Extra Brut by perception, it’s bone dry yet with juicy acidity, outstanding focus, and cut, along with floral and mineral edges.
The best part? Near infinite pairing potential here, be it a fruit custard, a decadent triple cream cheese, or bold ethnic fare. The sky is the limit, and you really don’t have to even worry about what you paid!!
Richard Juhlin, the creative genius behind this stunner of a lineup, wrote the book on Champagne. Literally, and not just one! He also happens to have received the highest award from the French government for being an ambassador for Champagne, as a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
Now you do yourself the honor and scoop up all you can - and us a favor before we guzzle it all!
What the Winery Says
'Sélection RJ' Brut Premier Cru
- Winemaker/master blender
- Richard Juhlin
- Varietals
- 73% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay
- Alcohol
- 12%
- Vineyards
- Grand & Premier Crus, Les Mesnil
- Disgorgement date
- April 2018
- Dosage
- 6 g/L
- Aging
- 4 years in stainless steel on fine lees