N.V. Nicolas Maillart, Rose Brut, Grand Cru Champagne, Ecueil, France.
The gorgeous Maillart Grand Cru Rose is an opulent cuvee of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from 100% Grand Cru fruit with minimal dosage giving a rich sparkling wine with loads of vigor, energy and dry feel, this is glorious, dreamy and elegantly crafted. This beautiful and rare handcrafted Champagne was very first experience with this exciting producer and artisan winemaker Nicolas Maillart, and I’m thrilled by his bubbly and can’t wait to try more, this was a great showing and a remarkable find, be sure to check this Champagne house out when you get the chance, especially this majestic Brut Rose. The nose is toasty/yeasty with hints of cherry and strawberry along with crisp citrus and mineral notes leading to a perfectly defined and focused palate of fine beading creamy mouse, hazelnut, steely/stones, truffle, kirsch, pink citrus, fig and clove spice. Everything is alive, vivid and lifting both electric and like floating on a cloud, with an inner peace, grace and harmony, along with a crispness and lingering finish making for an intriguing and seductive non vintage Champagne of worthy Grand Cru implications, this is sublime stuff, drink now and often!
($62 Est.) 94+ Points, grapelive