Description
A longtime grower, José Dhondt produced his first cuvée in 1974. The family’s 6 hectares of vineyard are divided in several parcels from Grand Cru, Oger and Grand Cru, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs and the Côte de Sézanne, which is also predominately planted to Chardonnay. Unsurprisingly, sublime, supremely elegant Blanc de Blancs is José’s main focus. All of his Pinot Noir from the Cote de Sézanne vineyard goes into his Rosé de Saignée, a deeply pure Pinot rosé that drinks almost like a red wine.
To avoid using chemicals as much as possible, the family practices what the French call ‘culture raisonnée’. They keeps yields low with a severe debudding and rigorous sorting of grapes before they go into the press. Pressing is done in a traditional vertical wood press and only one “retrousse” is allowed. Vinification happens in small temperature controlled stainless steel vats with individual lots kept separate, then blended.
About this wine: This 100% Chardonnay wine is a blend of the Dhondt’s family vineyards. The average age of the vines is 30 years old. Slow, gentle pressing in a traditional Coquard vertical press, followed by a 12 to 24-hour decanting period. Fermentation takes roughly three weeks. Vinification is done in small, temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, allowing each vineyard to be kept separate. Aged for 2.5 years on lees before disgorgement.
This really is fabulous grand cru blanc de blanc champagne.. layers and layers unravel with time in glass
93 points, Wine Spectator “A vibrant version in a harmonious frame, this deftly knits a chiseled spine of acidity with raw silk like texture and flavours of plumped white cherry, salted almond, crystallised honey and white blossoms, with a mouthwatering finish. “
RRP $134 Our Special Price $96.99 when you order 6 or more of this wine.
