2011 Vilmart Grand Cellier d'Or
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Grand Cellier d’ Or is an unqualified success for a year that gave so many growers fits. Soft, open-knit and inviting, the 2011 possesses lovely balance and class. The aromatics are a bit diffuse and also forward, which suggests the 2011 won’t be an especially long-lived wine, yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. Most importantly, there are no signs of the greenness that plagues many 2011s. Those notes may show up in time, so I would not push my luck in cellaring the 2011 for more than a few years. Lemon confit, dried flowers, chamomile and sage linger in the background. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged November 2015.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Still quite youthful and tight. Needs time but made with great attention to detail. (JR)
The 2011 Brut Grand Cellier d'Or is perhaps a touch slender relative to recent editions, but it does not suffer from the vegetal qualities that are so prevalent in this vintage. Lemon confit, orange blossom, spice and chamomile build to the creamy, sensual finish. I would prefer to drink the 2011 sooner rather than later, as it is a touch forward.
80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir. Old vines. Fermented and aged 10 months in small oak. Malo blocked. 8-9 g/l dosage. Lifted and with an appealing lightness and putty flavours. Racy but definitely sweeter than many. Already approachable despite its youth. (JR)