2015 'Terra Nostra', Champagne Pierre Courtois
Rare Vintage Blancs de Blancs Cuvée
"I've served this wine on several occasions over the past couple of years, and one of the reasons I rate it so highly is due to the conversations it sparks; because fully mature Champagne is something of an acquired taste, and it's a taste that I have very much acquired!"
James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler
Tasting Notes
The moment you pour, you know this is no ordinary champagne. A beautiful rich, golden hue hints at maturity, as do the fine threads of persistent fizz.
On the nose, it's just incredible. Aromas of freshly cut seeded sourdough bread, dark cocoa, nougat, a touch of marzipan, and a cool minerality. There's a real synergy to the way these aromas materialize, not barging one another out of the way but rather slowly, elegantly unfurling. It's a pleasure to take the time to appreciate the aromatic makeup.
The palate has a hard act to follow, but wow, just the slightest sip and you experience a wonderful fusion of baked apple, notes of oatmeal, a touch of pastry, mature orchard fruit, and an almost sweet mineral salinity. The orchard fruit is ripe and crunchy but delicate, the oatmeal warming and textural, and the minerality zippy and palate-cleansing. On the finish, tremendous length, and complexity. What a wine!
I've been fortunate to taste several of the world's finest sparkling wines, many of which at several times the price of 'Terra Nostra'. As such, it's what makes Courtois' effort such a masterpiece both in terms of sheer drinking pleasure and unrivalled value for money.
This elegant fizz lives up to the description given. Light golden in colour with a nice mousse and aromatic flavours that put it up there with its higher priced peers. Very good value.