At 15 litres, the scale of the bottle changes the way the wine presents itself quite noticeably, not by altering its character, but by slowing everything down to the point where the usual firmness of the house style feels more settled and evenly distributed, rather than immediately apparent. The blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier still forms the backbone, with citrus and green apple at the core, but these flavours emerge in a much more gradual way, building gently rather than arriving with definition at the front of the palate.
As the wine develops, the sense of progression becomes less obvious, with the different stages blending into one continuous movement, so the fruit, structure, and secondary notes all feel aligned rather than layered. A soft pastry note and a lightly toasted character are present, but they are fully integrated into the wine, adding depth without standing apart or drawing attention, which contributes to a more cohesive overall impression. The texture is where the format makes its strongest impact, with a very fine mousse and an even, flowing feel across the palate, giving the wine a smooth and polished character without increasing weight. Overall, this version feels more composed and unified, where the natural structure of the cuvee is still there, but expressed in a calmer and more refined way.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Slow to open, with citrus, green apple, and a light floral note, followed by subtle pastry and almond.
Palate:
Smooth and continuous, with citrus and orchard fruit unfolding evenly over a fine, integrated texture.
Finish:
Long and steady, with freshness carrying through into a clean, composed close. |
