Moet & Chandon, Brut Imperial NV

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Reviewed by: William Kelley

Based on the challenging 2017 vintage, the current release of Moët & Chandon's NV Brut Imperial was disgorged with seven grams dosage (representing a reduction of around 50% in the last 20 years) and contains an unusually high proportion of reserve wines. Offering up aromas of pear, peach and citrus oil mingled with hints of fresh bread and white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with racy acids and an enveloping core of fruit, complemented by a pinpoint mousse and concluding with a nicely defined finish. Impressively seamless, it's a fine rendition of one of Champagne's largest bottlings.

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Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The NV Imperial is a straightforward, tasty Champagne made in a easygoing style, with good length and a clean, refreshing finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Moet & Chandon is one of Champagne’s giants when it comes to the sheer number of bottles that emerge from its cellars each year. The house’s top wine, Dom Perignon, is quite possibly the most iconic wine in Champagne, and perhaps the world. Production numbers are always kept close to the vest, but that notwithstanding, it is impossible to ignore the exceptional quality that the best vintages offer. At its best Dom Perignon is also an extremely ageworthy wine. In recent years Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy has instituted a program of re-releasing newly disgorged wines under the OEnotheque program. Younger vintages see a second release (also known as second plenitude), while some of the older, classic vintages from the 1970s are on their third release (also known as third plenitude). While the OEnotheques, particularly the third releases, can be very pricey, at their finest they offer an extraordinary,otherworldly drinking experience matched by few wines in the world. Although Moet & Chandon doesn't disclose disgorgement dates, Geoffroy is considering adding that information in the near future. An article covering a number older vintages of Dom Perignon will appear soon on www.erobertparker.com Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200

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Reviewed by: William Kelley

The latest release of the NV Brut Imperial is showing quite well, exhibiting an attractive bouquet of smoky pears, warm bread and dried white flowers. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a youthfully frothy mousse, ripe acids and a nicely balanced but somewhat fleeting finish. Given the sheer quantities produced, it's a very impressive effort.

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Reviewed by: Stephan Reinhardt

Moët's white golden NV Impérial Brut is an assemblage of equal parts of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (30% to 40% of each) and a smaller proportion of Chardonnay. Bright and fresh fruit aromas of yellow apples, ripe pears and lemons, along with floral flavors and a hint of stones and almond croissant lead to a medium-bodied, elegant, pretty intense and well structured palate; it has nice freshness and generous fruit. The finish reveals a stimulating grip and a moderate sweetness (dosage is nine grams per liter). Very good and less sweet than in former years. (Lot LAI2C)