2002 Collard-Picard "Archives" Vintage Champagne

Greatness like this is very hard to describe. We received so few bottles of this (only 12!) that a lack of good prose probably will not make much of a difference. Let me give you the facts: This Champagne is a blend of 80% Chardonnay (from the final harvest of a mid slope parcel in the Grand Cru of Mesnil that was planted in 1923) and 20% Pinot Noir (from a plot in Reuil that was planted in 1953) and entirely barrel fermented. It is huge Champagne, and Olivier Collard recommends decanting it and serving it in Bordeaux glasses, either with a truffled main course or even as a digestive! I found it to be decadent, chocolaty Champagne with a Devon cream nose and a powerful finish. Save it as long as you care to- it should improve for decades. -Gary Westby, K&L