Andre Clouet produce an exceptional range of grower champagnes that are rich, concentrated expressions of pinot noir that manage to retain elegance and finesse. A wine making family of more than 2 centuries, the founder acted as a printer in Louis XV court of Versailles and the wines are cellared under the family’s 17th century village house. The style of the labels reflect this heritage.
Jean-Francois Clouet's zero-dosage ideal is realised with magnificent clarity here. Such is the concentration and richness of his pinot noir that it has absolutely no need for any sweetness. The bouquet is delightfully fresh, lifted, pure and expressive, with lemon zest, yellow mirabelle plums and red apple fruits. The palate follows impeccably, showcasing the concentration of Bouzy with exceptional purity and focus. Its barrel work blends impeccably contributing nuances of nougat, brioche and honey. Succulent yellow summer fruits pull seamlessly into a crunchy finish of red apple and lemon zest, concluding long and refined, with refreshingly taut acidity and soft, chalky minerality. Classic Bouzy of the finest order. Tyson Stelzer; The Champagne Guide 2014-2015.
This varietal Grand Cru Pinot Noir, pressed white as Brut, has the great power of the Grand Reserve, but it is filled without any dosage. Part of the wine is also fermented and briefly aged in used barriques from the Barsac winery Doisy Daene. The result is a bone-dry power pack, always straight ahead, with tremendous finesse and great individuality. The used barrique does not give the wine any oak notes, but it increases the creaminess immensely and gives it maturity. This brut has the consistency and mouthfeel of a large Dom Perignon that has matured for 8-10 years, and the ripe apple also supports this association. Lobenberg 94 points.
