Tasting Note: n.v. Pierre Peters Brut Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru (Champagne, France)

[zin1953]

n.v. Pierre Peters Brut Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru (Champagne, France): One of the "grower" Champagnes that is a part of Terry Theise's portfolio here in the U.S., this is a long-time favorite of mine, this BdB is -- according to Theise's 2006 catalog -- two-thirds Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, with the remaining third from other Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs (Avize, Cramant, etc.) Very pale in color, clear and brilliant, with a fine bead and good mousse, the bouquet has a lot of the steely minerality that is reminsicent of a Chablis or even, as Theise writes, a wine from the Saar (not an analogy tht I would have thought of, but it fits like a glove!), coupled with apple blossoms and green apple fruit, light brioche and more, yet these surprisingly rich and forward aromas remain laser-focused and "tight," rather than fat and opulent; on the palate, the wine keeps that focus, yet is more flavorful and somehow richer-without-being-heavier on the palate, wit great layering, complexity and depth, all while remaining bright, crisp and incredibly delicious. Stunning!

[Melanie Wong]

This is one of my go-to Champagnes when I don't feel like experimenting and want a sure thing. Love the green apple character and the precision on the palate. Try holding a bottle or two back for a year, even better with bottle age.

[zin1953]

Agreed. I love how this develops with post-dégorgement bottle age. This was the newest release, and I couldn't wait to see (taste) how the inclusion of the 2002 vintage would affect it. I've already bought more for the cellar!