Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne 1996
Vintage
from Champagne, France
winemaker's notes:
The 1996 vintage was superb for the Champagne region, yielding ripe, balanced, clean fruit with excellent flavors. A blend of approximately half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir this crystal bright, light-bodied Champagne is elegant and distinctive. Opening with aromas of fresh pineapple, lemon and white florals, warming into complex scents of pear. A rich bouquet of white fruits end in subtle notes of honey and vanilla. The bead is intense with brisk effervescence, swirling up into a generous and persistent mousse. It is a balanced, extremely refined wine that, if properly stored, should keep for years, especially if bottled in magnums or jeroboams.
Beyond the toasts and ship launchings, Champagne has a place at every dinner table. The 1996 Fleur de Champagne pairs is the perfect wine to serve with smoked oysters, game hens, delicate Japanese fish dishes, Fettuccini Alfredo or risotto.
After a patient search for a master glassmaker capable of reproducing a bottle with the 1902 Gallé design, Perrier Jouët launched in 1969, its famous "flower bottle" with an arabesque design of anemones. The first bottles of Fleur de Champagne revealed a Champagne of vivacious delicacy, the epitome of the refined and engaging style of the Art Nouveau movement. Since then, it has been the signature Champagne of Perrier Jouët and is considered one of the world's most celebrated Champagnes.
critical acclaim:
"The famous Belle Epoque bottle design is based on a 1902 bottle of Emile Gallé. Today's blend of this prestige cuvée is a fine balance between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crisp and fresh in a ripe, mature aperitif style. It is lively but complex, showing some toasty flavors to complement the rich, ripe green fruit tastes. Great balance and elegace."
93 Points
Wine Enthusiast
"Very subtle, floral nose combines minerals, nuts and butter. Bright, concentrated and seamless, with lovely harmonious acidity; very smooth for the vintage. At once rich and racy; has weight without being heavy. Finishes long and fine."
92 Points
International Wine Cellar
