nv Andre Clouet, Silver, Grand Cru Brut Nature Champagne, A Bouzy, France.
I bought this Clouet on sale and wow, what a steal, this is some sensationally great bubbly! Jean-François Clouet, who was born and raised in Bouzy, still lives in the 18th century village house built by his ancestors, he takes his lineage serious and respects his family’s traditions and that of the region, and is renown grower producer in A Bouzy. Clouet makes a full range of intense and stylish Champagnes, all of which comes family plots mostly comprised of 100% Pinot Noir from Clouet’s lieux-dits in the Bouzy zone. The André Clouet “Silver” Grand Cru Brut Nature is a non vintage zero dosage Champagne of exceptional class and delicacy, it’s a severe and high toned bubbly, 100% Pinot from mid slopes around the village of Bouzy set on the chalky limestone and clay, it went through full malos and was aged on it’s lees in neutral French oak barrel, adding to the surprising of it’s crisp detail, considering it’s malo/wood winemaking fashion, though like a great Burgundy it changes and gains with time in the glass adding richness to the tight form it initially shows. If ever there was a Champagne that fits all my wants and desires, then this Clouet, imported by Sacred Thirst, fits the bill as I adore Extra Bruts and Non Dosage styles absolutely best of all and this Andre Clouet silver kills it for the price, especially what I paid! Lemony briskness leads the way with hints of hazelnut, brioche and wet river stones adding a touch of white cherry, unripe apple and cool green melon, all lifted by the pure tight beading of it’s electric mousse. The Pinot Noir gives a bite of extract which makes this a fantastic food Champagne, it is perfect for oysters, sushi and mussels in spicy broth, it’s not for everyone, but damn it’s good, it’s without question a thinkers sparkler not a crowd pleaser, which just makes it that much more special.
($29 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
