2008 Philippe Gonet "Cuvée Belemnita" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Staff Reviews

LM

Lilia McIntosh

Lilia McIntosh

The complexity of this champagne is stunning and makes it so intriguing to drink. It changes like a chameleon. At first, you get intense mineral and chalk notes, then as it breaths it gains more honey and soft citrus notes along with a touch of flowers and brioche. Mesmerizing and captivating Champagne to drink and ponder, but also a great wine to pair with seafood.

Notes

This wine comes from one plot of Chardonnay in the world-famous village of Mesnil, a plot planted by the great-grandfather of Chantal and Pierre Gonet (the current proprietors) back in 1929. The vines go deep into the Belemnita soil that gives this cuvée its name. This is the best chalk in all of Champagne, full of fossilized shellfish, many of which are now extinct, but so common in Mesnil that you can fill your pockets with them after a short tour of the vineyard. Cuvée Belemnita is the product of a single press load. Only 2,700 bottles were made, and we received just 25 cases. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and dosed very low at 3 grams per liter. Although labeled as an extra brut, this wine is perfectly balanced and not at all austere, as the richness given by the ancient vines needs little in the way of sugar. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer)