2014 | Domaine Fournois Montagne Verzy Grand Cru | Champagne

A bright silver/yellow color, the 2013 Champagne Grand Cru Verzy Montagne is part of an exploration of three expressions of 2013 from three terroirs. A 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this was the coldest vintage for the Champagne harvest, beginning in early October – one of the only times this has happened since the 1990s. From Verzy, with its northeast exposition, it’s a cold wine, and referred to as timid, though I would say the point where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay meet is seamless. It offers the pretty lemon curd citrus of Chardonnay alongside the strawberry and delicate red fruit of Pinot. The elegance is superbly balanced and has real finesse. The cooling effect is gorgeous, and although it has undergone long maturation and aging, it already tastes fantastic now. Sweet pastry notes are present but not overly sweet. It’s also the most enticing of the trio.

98 Pts Jeb Dunnuck