Moncuit-Delos Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Nicole Moncuit’s Blanc de Blancs bottlings she labels as “Pierre Moncuit Delos” is made entirely from the family’s vineyards in Mesnil-sur-Oger, with the vines more than thirty years of age and the vins clairs going through full malolactic fermentation. The new release is entirely from the 2019 vintage, was raised in stainless steel and aged three years sur latte prior to its disgorgement in February of 2023. The finishing dosage is 3.5 grams per liter. The wine offers up a lovely nose of pear, apple, almond, chalky minerality, brioche and a topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and complex, with a good core of fruit, lovely chalky undertow, a fine spine of acidity, frothy mousse and a long, youthful and elegant finish. Good juice that is tasty out of the blocks, but will be even better with a few years’ worth of bottle age. (JG) 91+

The NV (2018) Brut Blanc de Blancs Delos Grand Cru is open-knit and easy to like. Higher dosage vis-à-vis the Extra Brut version is palpable in both the wine's textural feel and flavor profile. Ripe pear, spice, baked apple tart and jasmine are nicely delineated. Disgorged: July, 2023. (AG)