Category:
 
Sparkling Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Champagne
Producer:
 
Penfolds
Label Name:
 
Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvee
Vintage:
 
2012
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Champagne (Vertus, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Verzenay, Tauxières, Aÿ, Cumières, Avenay Val d'Or).
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir.
Acidity:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
8-10°C

Awards/Ratings
96 points – Ken Gargett; 96 points – Campbell Matinson; 96 – Jancis Robinson; 4/5 Stars – Wine Wise

Tasting Note
Pale straw with complex aromas of crème brûlée, honeysuckle, fresh tobacco and baked apple. Crisp, saline acidity with hazelnut, Brazil nut, green apple and spice; refined, long finish (low dosage).

Food Pairing
Western: oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, roast chicken, mushroom risotto. Asian: sushi/sashimi, tempura, dim sum, Peking duck.

Production Method
Méthode traditionnelle (tirage and extended lees ageing) produced in collaboration with Thiénot; low dosage ~4 g/L; vintage 2012.

Vineyard Info
Limited‑release cobranded Champagne to mark Penfolds' 175th anniversary; grapes from premier Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims sites; Peter Gago and Thiénot’s cellar team collaborated on blending and tirage.