n.v. Mousse Fils, Brut Rose Champagne “Tradition” France.
Cedric Mousse’s Rose Tradition is a great new addition to Terry Theise’s portfolio and Cedric is the only producer at this time to make a 100% Pinot Meunier Special Club bottling, and is a vigneron totally new to me, but one I will be paying much more attention to! The Rose is about 90% Pinot Meunier & 10% Pinot Noir, the still wine is barrel aged 100% Pinot Meunier and is used for the vivid color, the estate grapes are grown using organic methods and the wine is bright and expressive, the bubbles bead beautifully and there is a sense of balance and detail throughout, this is impressive pink sparkling wine. The nose has the earthy tones and fruit you’d expect from Meunier, but there is a nice yeasty note, clear mineral elements and the palate is sensual and seductive with great mouth feel, fruit and vibrant mousse, plus there is a well judged frame and focus to be found here, everything speaks well of a really long cellar life, though I find it profound and joyous as is. There’s rose water, spices, a mix of citrus, strawberry, tart cherry and a mulberry sense along with leesy sex appeal, a brioche note and steely clarity that keeps the fruit in check. This is steal in the unique grower producer world of stylish Pinot Meunier Champagne and it is a fine and elegant Rose Brut, that is expressive and also refined, in other words you will really love this wonderful bubbly, Mousse is a fantastic new discovery and you should really look high and low for it, and his other amazing Champagnes.
($56 Est.) 92-94 Points, grapelive