NV Jacquesson Cuvee 733

Distinct notes of smoke, graphite and chalk emerge as the NV Brut Cuvee No 733 opens up in the glass. This focused, taut Champagne offers exceptional harmony in a focused and energetic style. A gorgeous array of minerals, grapefruit and lemon comes to life on the perfumed, vibrant finish. The NV Brut Cuvee No 733 is 52% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Meunier and 24 % Pinot Noir from grand cru and premier cru villages in the Vallee de la Marne and Cote des Blancs. The majority of the wine in the 733 is 2005 (78%). The wine was fermented and aged on its lees in barrel, bottled without filtration and disgorged in the first quarter of 2009 with a dosage of 2.5 grams per liter. This signature wine is a great effort from Jacquesson. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. Admittedly I found these new releases from Jacquesson, one of Champagne’s most historic houses, somewhat perplexing. The entry-level NV Brut Cuvee No 733 is terrific, but some of the estate’s higher-end bottlings appear to be works in progress. Importer: Vintage 59 Imports, Washington DC; tel. (202) 966-9218