The Champagne house of Vilmart produces a range of fine Champagnes from their Montagne de Reims vineyards. They age their base wines in cask for several months, and the finished Champagnes reflect the soft richness that barrel age imbues in the wines. Sourced from a single vineyard in Rilly-la-Montagne, the 2009 Grand Cellier d’Or (blended from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir) shows a lovely combination of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir character. The bouquet offers pure, apple, lemon and cherry fruits with toasty, yeasty and creamy nuances. On the palate, it is vivid, creamy and layered with the apple, cherry and citrus tones interwoven with the toasty, yeasty and subtly spicy elements that barrel age provides. The overall impression is lively, layered and complex.
Vilmart & Cie, Champagne (France) 2009
By Wayne Belding