Critic ratings
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
95
–95
The NV Rose bursts from the glass with layers of perfumed cherries, pomegranate, roses, cinammon and sweet spices. This is another explosive wine endowed with superb length, and a polished, refined finish that is hard to capture with words. This is 80% Chardonnay from Avize, vintages 2002, 2001 and 2000, plus Pinot Noir from Ambonnay that Selosse purchases in barrel from his friend Francis Egly. The November 19, 2007 disgorgement had 6 grams of dosage, but Selosse plans to take that down to 4.5 or so with subsequent disgorgements. This superb Rose is one of the finest wines being made in Champagne today, and a wine I drink often at home. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016.
Readers will need to drop all preconceived notions about what Champagne is and can be in order to fully experience the wines of Anselme and Corinne Selosse, as these are Champagnes like no other. No one has pushed the boundaries of what Champagne can be further than Selosse. As great as his own wines are, Selosse’s most lasting legacy may very well be influencing the younger generation of producers who have worked alongside him over the years. For the last six years Selosse has been absent from the US market and his wines virtually impossible to obtain, but thankfully that is starting to change. Selosse represents the most poetic voice behind the idea that Champagne is first and foremost a wine before it is anything else. Selosse takes this one step further by eschewing vintage designations for most of his wines, as the qualities he seeks to exalt most are those of his 7.5 vineyards in Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil, Ay, Mareuil-sur- Ay and Ambonnay. The various cuvees are assembled barrel by barrel based on how the wines taste to Selosse, rather than through technical analysis and/or predetermined selection of sites, parcels, etc. Selosse’s newest wine is a solera-style Champagne from the famed Le Mesnil vineyard, perhaps the most storied site in all of Champagne. I tasted the first vintage, the 2003, which will ultimately be blended with subsequent vintages to form a solera-style Champagne. It was superb. I also tasted similar solera-style wines from Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil, Mareuil-sur- Ay and Ambonnay from barrel, all of which were compelling. The Selosse Champagnes possess extraordinary aromatics and a very fine mousse that is the result of density and richness in the fruit. With a few minutes in the glass, the bubbles will completely disappear from most of the wines. These Champagnes are best enjoyed with food, and should be served in generous white wine glasses rather than the customary flutes, which will allow for the full range of the wines’ aromas and flavors to emerge. Simply put, these are among the most monumental, profound wines being made anywhere, but like a great novel, painting or symphony, the greatest enjoyment and purest pleasure awaits those who engage the wines fully.
Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484, Moon Imports, (Italy only), Genova, Italy; tel +39 010 313849
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
96
–96
The NV Brut Rose is an intense, mineral-driven wine endowed with incredible energy and focus. The wine possesses the piercing intensity of a young Riesling or Chablis, with layers of perfumed fruit that emerge only reluctantly. Subtle notes of chalkiness inform the sublime, polished finish. Though incredibly delicious in this infant stage, the NV Brut Rose will clearly benefit from another 6-12 months on the cork at a bare minimum. Disgorged: February 2, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.
This is a marvelous set of new releases from Anselme Selosse. All of the wines were still vibrant and fresh when I re-tasted them a day after opening.
Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484, Moon Imports, (Italy only), Genova, Italy; tel +39 010 313849
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
94
–94
The NV Brut Rose comes across as big and powerful and super-intense. This is a decidedly huge Rose, even by Selosse standards, that represents the height of vinosity in Champagne. There are no hard edges, nor is anything the slightest bit out of place. Sweet flowers, spices and red berries wrap around a finish that never seems to end. Disgorged November 26, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016.
I visited Anselme and Corinne Selosse just as they were putting the finishing touches on their new boutique hotel in Avize. I am not sure they make enough wine to satisfy the thirst of their patrons, but that is another story! This is a fabulous set of wines, among the very best I have ever tasted here.
Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
95
–95
From a bottle disgorged in December 2018, Selosse's NV Brut Rosé is based on his V.O. blend, with the addition of Pinot Noir from his friend Francis Egly. Bursting with scents of dried fruits, white cherries, beeswax and spices, the wine is full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with Pinot Noir phenolics only amplifying the chalky, mineral signature that defines the V.O.—making for a remarkably vinous, gastronomic Champagne.
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
96
–96
An utterly electrifying wine, the NV Brut Rose is simply drop dead gorgeous. The style is all about energy, delineation and minerality with this release, a blend of vintage 2004 and 2005 Chardonnay with the addition of still Pinot. This isn’t one of the more vinous versions of the Rose, which actually helps to make it quite versatile. Selosse’s NV Rose can be enjoyed before a meal but also has the tension to pair beautifully with food. The balance and overall sense of harmony are both dazzling. Disgorgement date: December 8, 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.
Despite all of the acclaim and recognition Anselme Selosse has received over the years, he continues to push the envelope of what Champagne is and can be. The new lieu-dit Champagnes, which now encompass six different bottlings – all of them multi-vintage blends – are off the charts, but frankly, so are the rest of the wines. Readers who want to learn more about Selosse might want to take a look at my recent videos on our site. Selosse fans might also want to consider a stay at Les Avizes, the hotel Anselme Selosse and his wife Corinne recently opened in Avize, which is probably the best way to visit this iconic producer.
Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
95
–95
The NV Brut Rose is a serious, rich wine although this version is perhaps a touch more inward and less immediately thrilling than some past bottlings. Textural depth, the finest of mousses, gorgeous aromatic delineation and superb purity in the fruit are the hallmarks of this gorgeous, vinous rose. A long, crystalline finish rounds out the finish. Disgorged October 15, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015.
Anselme Selosse is one of Champagne’s most iconic figures. This year Selosse has two new wines that are the first in what will be a selection of six lieu-dit Champagnes, all made with the solera process. For now, these remain works in progress. It will be interesting to see the direction the wines take from here.
Importer: The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484
vinous
NV
Rating:
96
–96
The NV (2016) Extra-Brut Rosé is 97% Chardonnay and a dollop of still red Pinot from Francis Egly that is added just prior to bottling. This release is based on 2016, with reserve wines from 2015 and 2014. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, chalk and white pepper lend brightness, with gorgeous floral notes contributing sweetness to the mid palate while also lifting the finish. The Selosse Rosé remains one of my favorite wines in Champagne. Disgorged: May 10, 2022. Dosage is 1 gram per liter.
vinous
NV
Rating:
96
–96
The NV (2014) Rosé is another standout in this range. In this release, the Rosé is a bit richer, deeper and more intense than it has been over the last few years. The resonance of the flavors is just remarkable. Red Pinot fruit, blood orange, white pepper and flowers infuse the Rosé with striking depth to play off its vibrancy. This is a stunning edition of the Rosé. Disgorged: September 11, 2019.
vinous
NV
Rating:
96
–96
The NV (2013) Rosé is another positively stellar wine in a range of Champagnes that literally dazzles from the first wine to the last. Tense and transparent, the Rosé is super-expressive. Drops of still Pinot add a dash of color and flavor intensity, but the Selosse Rosé is ultimately driven by bright Chardonnay citrus, floral and mineral notes that build through to the textured, inviting finish. Dosage is 1.8 grams per liter.
vinous
NV
Rating:
94
–94
The NV Rosé is laced with the essence of crushed rocks, mint, chalk. white pepper and cranberry. Chiseled and vibrant in the glass, with tremendous energy, the Rosé is fabulous. This release is based on the V.O. blend of 2011, 2010 and 2009 vintages, with a touch (3-5%) still Pinot from Francis Egly, vintages 2011 and 2010. Disgorged November 7, 2018.
vinous
NV
Rating:
91
–91
Selosse’s NV Extra Brut Rosé is especially gracious and light on its feet in this release, with a real sense of weightlessness that makes it an excellent choice to get the evening started. Disgorged October 5, 2015.
vinous
NV
Rating:
94
–94
The NV Rosé is especially lifted and airy in this release, while the flavors are bright but also deceptively intense. Beautifully persistent on the palate, the NV Rosé is a winner. The Rosé is mostly Chardonnay, with a touch of 4% still Pinot from Francis Egly. This release is a blend of vintages 2010 and 2009. Dosage of 2.5 grams per liter helps carry the wine’s body. Disgorged April 2016.
vinous
NV
Rating:
89
–89
The NV Rosé, based on 2009 in this release, is racy and open-knit in style, with plenty of red berry and floral notes. There is an exotic, intensely perfumed quality that is impossible to miss, with an element of volatility that comes through. The relatively high dosage (by Selosse standards) is felt in the wine's slightly sweet personality. This release is a blend of 92% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Noir spanning vintages 2009, 2008 and 2007. Disgorged December 2015. Dosage is 2.7 grams.
vinous
NV
Rating:
93
–93
Selosse's NV Brut Rosé is quite floral and lifted, with kirsch, rose petal, mint and hard candy notes that blossom in the glass. This is one of the more eccentric, intensely floral versions of the Selosse's Rosé I can remember tasting. This bottle was disgorged on February 12, 2014. Dosage is 2.6 grams per liter.
vinous
NV
Rating:
94
–94
The Brut Rosé is clean, steely and vibrant from start to finish, with tons of pure, mineral-inflected drive, but less of the sweetness and floral notes that have been typical in some previous versions. This is a Champagne for the table. It's a simple as that. The long finish pulses with the essence of crushed rocks, salt and rose petals. The Rose is Selosse's most variable wines, probably because it is a blend of just two vintages (2006 and 2005) in this case. Some releases are a bit more approachable, but this is a wine that needs a bit of time. This bottle was disgorged on December 14, 2012.
vinous
NV
Rating:
96
–96
An utterly electrifying wine, the NV Brut Rosé is simply drop dead gorgeous. The style is all about energy, delineation and minerality with this release, a blend of vintage 2004 and 2005 Chardonnay with the addition of still Pinot. This isn't one of the more vinous versions of the Rosé, which actually helps to make it quite versatile. Selosse's NV Rosé can be enjoyed before a meal but also has the tension to pair beautifully with food. The balance and overall sense of harmony are both dazzling. Disgorgement date: December 8, 2011.
vinous
NV
Rating:
94
–94
The NV Brut Rosé comes across as big and powerful and super-intense. This is a decidedly huge Rosé, even by Selosse standards, that represents the height of vinosity in Champagne. There are no hard edges, nor is anything the slightest bit out of place. Sweet flowers, spices and red berries wrap around a finish that never seems to end. Disgorged November 26, 2010.
vinous
NV
Rating:
95
–95
The NV Brut Rosé is a serious, rich wine although this version is perhaps a touch more inward and less immediately thrilling than some past bottlings. Textural depth, the finest of mousses, gorgeous aromatic delineation and superb purity in the fruit are the hallmarks of this gorgeous, vinous rosé. A long, crystalline finish rounds out the finish. Disgorged October 15th, 2009.
vinous
NV
Rating:
96
–96
The NV Brut Rosé is an intense, mineral-driven wine endowed with incredible energy and focus. The wine possesses the piercing intensity of a young Riesling or Chablis, with layers of perfumed fruit that emerge only reluctantly. Subtle notes of chalkiness inform the sublime, polished finish. Though incredibly delicious in this infant stage, the NV Brut Rosé will clearly benefit from another 6-12 months on the cork at a bare minimum. Disgorged February 2, 2009
vinous
NV
Rating:
95
–95
The NV Rosé bursts from the glass with layers of perfumed cherries, pomegranate, roses, cinammon and sweet spices. This is another explosive wine endowed with superb length, and a polished, refined finish that is hard to capture with words. This is 80% Chardonnay from Avize, vintages 2002, 2001 and 2000, plus Pinot Noir from Ambonnay that Selosse purchases in barrel from his friend Francis Egly. The November 19, 2007 disgorgement had 6 grams of dosage, but Selosse plans to take that down to 4.5 or so with subsequent disgorgements. This superb Rosé is one of the finest wines being made in Champagne today, and a wine I drink often at home.
vinous
NV
Rating:
95
–95
What can I say about Jacques Selosse’s NV Rosé? That it was superb? Phenomenal? Sublime? It was all that and so much more. An inspired choice to close this wonderful evening, the wine revealed compelling, seductive aromatics that melded seamlessly onto a palate of well-articulated fruit, with phenomenal length and a finish that lasted forever. This beautifully-balanced Champagne was the highlight of an incredible night.
vinous
NV
Rating:
92
–92
Pale salmon color. Perfumed aromas of red berries, honeysuckle and cinnamon. Spicy, bright and vinous, with idiosyncratic flavors of blood orange, strawberry, cinnamon and maple syrup, along with hints of some older juice. Offers wonderful sweetness of fruit but also terrific verve and grip. A compelling and refreshing rose.
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
96
–96
The latest release of Selosse’s NV Brut Rosé, based on the 2018 vintage and disgorged in February 2024 with 2.5 grams per liter dosage, derives mostly from Avize and Cramant. Similarly to Initial, the sources for the Rosé are primarily the lower-altitude slopes. At its core, it is Chardonnay, complemented by about 3% Pinot Noir, sourced from the Egly family (aged in Selosse’s barrel), a historical exchange between the two growers. Guillaume told me that for the Rosé, they select barrels with more pronounced spicy character. Flamboyant and ample, the wine offers a deep bouquet of orange zest, cardamon, dried fruit and walnut. Laden with mouthwatering acidity and chalky structuring extract, it is one of the most characterful, complex rosés to be found in France.
