Jacques Lorent, Brut Millesime Champagne 2012

92 points Wine & Spirits
"Clean and pure, this is made by a cooperative based in the Marne Valley village of Mardeuil, with 250 member growers. It’s presented in a luscious, oxidative style with white-cherry flavors, an apple-butter richness and touches of smoky earth. The wine’s stamina had the panel suggesting food ideas from roast pheasant to sturgeon pan-roasted with chanterelles and jamón Iberico."

Vinous Reverie Notes
A cooperative of 250 small Champagne growers - each one often farming just two or three acres - cultivated the fruit that went into Jacques Lorent’s 2012 Champagne. Led by 45% each Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, rounded out with a splash of Meunier, it’s blossomed beautifully in the decade since it was harvested. 2012 was the kind of vintage that you can’t have enough of in your cellar. Decanter rated the season a rare 5 out of 5 stars, while Wine Spectator thinks it’s the second-best vintage since the legendary 1996. Defined by a perfect August and September, growers were able to harvest grapes at perfect ripeness—a rare occurrence in chilly Champagne. This bottle puts those perfect conditions on proud display. Tasting Notes: Deep golden color with silver streaks through the mousse. The nose offers sliced Asian pear, lemon curd, pie crust, and jasmine. A ripe and creamy palate displays a voluminous mouthfeel redolent of white flowers and honeyed brioche.