Wine Advisor
Delamotte, Blanc de Blancs 1999
View analysis
Description
Blanc De Blancs, Delamotte, Champagne, White, 2008
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Pretty notes of smoke, mint, licorice and peaches emerge from the 1999 Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru. This medium-bodied, refined Chardonnay possesses notable complexity in its layered, refined personality. Here, too, the wine offers superb length and finesse. This is Lot # L6905306, disgorged February, 2006. Here I slightly preferred the February, 2006 disgorgement to the July, 2006 disgorgement (91points, Lot # L6922506). Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Delamotte is one of Champagne’s oldest houses. The domaine lies next-door to its sister estate, Salon, which makes one of Champagne’s most iconic wines. Both properties are run by General Manager Didier Depond, and the winemaking is overseen by chef de caves Michel Fauconnet. The wines at both properties are made separately, but in years in which Depond and Fauconnet decide to forgo making Salon, that wine is sometimes added to the Delamotte bottlings. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 1999 Brut Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully nuanced wine. Here the Chardonnay speaks with notable eloquence, often drawing parallels with the wines of Burgundy. The mousse is exceptionally finessed and the wine offers great depth as well as richness. The essence of crushed rocks, smoke and minerals are layered beautifully in the polished finish. This Lot # 6905306, disgorged February, 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Delamotte is best known as the sister estate of its famous neighbor Salon, one of the most storied names in Champagne. Increasingly, though, the Delamotte wines are noteworthy for their own merits. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661
About the Producer
Founded in 1760 in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, a grand cru village located in la Côte des Blancs, Champagne Delamotte works this enchanting terroir to grow Chardonnay, the only white grape variety used to make champagne. Well-reputed among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts, the champagnes are known for their consistency, delicacy and exceptional character. For over 260 years, they have been developing four different cuvées, a small range that gives amateurs and experts alike a clear understanding of the art of champagne. Their Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Blancs vintage, Brut and Rosé are quintessentiel champagne wines.
