Champ Palmer Blanc de Blancs 1998

Category:
 
Sparkling Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Sparkling White
Producer:
 
Champ Palmer
Label Name:
 
Blanc de Blancs
Vintage:
 
1998
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Champagne (Montagne de Reims: Trépail & Villers-Marmery; Côte de Sézanne)
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
12%
Grape(s):
 
100% Chardonnay
Acidity:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
6-8°C

Awards/Ratings
General cuvée high scores from critics (examples: Essi Avellan MW 95; Falstaff 93; James Suckling 92; Wine & Spirits/Wine Spectator/Decanter ~92). Vintage 1998 tasting notes mention mature citrus, brioche and hazelnut with a score in mid-80s in independent tasting (example tasting 85p)

Tasting Note
Fresh citrus, white flowers and almonds with brioche, hazelnut and chalky minerality; silky mousse, creamy mid-palate and long, brisk acidic finish (matured nutty notes on older 1998 bottles).

Food Pairing
Western: oysters, lobster, smoked salmon, crab cakes, aged Gouda, goat cheese. Asian: sushi/sashimi, tempura, Thai fish curries, dim sum.

Production Method
Méthode traditionnelle (bottle fermentation), 100% Chardonnay; extended lees ageing (bottle ~5 years; magnum longer) with a low dosage around 6–7 g/L.

Vineyard Info
Champagne Palmer & Co, founded 1947 by seven grower-families; owns extensive Premier/Grand Cru holdings in Montagne de Reims and produces benchmark Chardonnay-led cuvées.