NV J Lassalle Rose Brut
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The J. Lassalle NV Brut Rose L0001 – overwhelmingly Pinot Noir, though with some Chardonnay and Meunier figuring into its substantial portion of reserve wine – exhibits fresh cherry and apple shadowed by kirsch and almond extract and with a bright and (by house standards) unusually incisive attack that I would have attributed partly to a proportion of malic acid had I not known that, like all Lassalle cuvees, this underwent malo-lactic conversion. Invigoratingly persistent, it will probably be best enjoyed over the coming year. The mother-daughter team of Chantal Decelle-Lassalle and Angeline Templier carries on a tradition of vinous generosity and refinement begun by Chantal’s father Jules Lassalle when he founded his establishment in 1942, and on display stateside since 1970 and Kermit Lynch’s embryonic years as merchant (pre-Wine Route “Adventures”), an era when very few small family houses – much less grower-bottlers – were known beyond narrow French circles. Full malo-lactic conversion and three or more year stays on the lees are the Lassalle norm. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The NV Brut Rose Premier Cru stands out for its vibrant, direct personality. Deceptively pale in color, the NV Brut Rose Premier Cru presents a tense, vibrant expression of fruit that is highly appealing. Sweet floral notes develop later, but ultimately this is a wine build on acidity and minerality. Lassalle’s Rose is striking in its beauty and purity. Disgorgement date: July 16, 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Lassalle this year, all of which were standouts. Lassalle’s disgorgement dates are etched into the bottles just above the labels. The dates aren’t easy to see, but they are there. Importer: Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
One of my favorite Champagne producers, J. Lassalle has turned out a spectacular non-vintage Brut Rose. It exhibits a light salmon/pinkish hue, and a gorgeously fresh, ripe nose of framboise reminiscent of a kir royale. This concentrated, yet delicate, authoritatively-flavored Champagne is dry, intensely rich, with plenty of cherry/strawberry-like flavors, medium body, and a long, fresh finish. It is a full-flavored rose that should drink well for 4-5 years. Should readers find any of the ravishing 1990 Special Club (reviewed in Issue 109 and given a whopping 97 points), don't think twice about buying it. This wine was tasted in May, 1997. Kermit Lynch's wines are available throughout the United States, with the import label "Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, California." Kermit Lynch's address is 1605 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702; tel. (510) 524-1524, fax (510) 528-7026. In France, the Kermit Lynch office is located in Beaune; tel. 011 33 3 80 24 70 96; fax 011 33 3 80 24 18 64.
A particularly good value.