NV Andre Jacquart Le Mesnil

100% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil. Base 2012, with 20% reserves from 2011 and 2010. 100% barrel fermented, held 8 months. Dosage 4 g/l. Broad, fairly rich, ripe nose and then very tight almost oaky-chewy palate. Still very youthful but with no shortage of potential and personality. (JR)

From vines 60+ years old from parcels in the lieux-dits of Chétillons and Zalieux, Le Mesnil. Barrel-fermented. 2008 base. Seven years on lees. Disgorged April 2016. Dosage 4 g/l. Like the Brut Expérience, there is a hint of cedar from the barrel ferment but it is slight and doesn’t overwhelm the delicacy of the definite nutty, brioche notes. Satisfying depth and character. So unlike large houses’ standard offerings. Much more wine-like. Tastes rounded from its maturity rather than from the dosage. You can just taste the sweetness on the finish. Not sure it will age for very long. (JH)