2012 Dérot-Delugny Millesime Brut Champagne

Staff Reviews

PR

Philip Roufail

Philip Roufail

This incredible vintage champagne was just marked down to $34.99, a crazy good deal for anyone who loves wine with a lot of autolytic character, or what our champagne buyer describes as "deep brioche." Once this wine settles in the glass, it has a depth and breadth that's as deep as an Olympic swimming pool. Complex creamy, rich, with perfect acidity and red berry notes. Derot-Delugny has certifications for High Environmental Value and Sustainable Viticulture so it's guilt free as well! This is our second and final allotment of this wonderful champagne. When it's gone, it's GONE, so load up while you can.

SB

Scott Beckerley

Scott Beckerley

This lovely 2012 release has a nose of white flowers, orchard fruit and baking spices. On the palate, it is initially very bright with citrus and minerals. After a minute, it fleshes out with pear, green apple, sourdough bread, cream and minerals. It has a very fine bead and a lingering finish. Pretty incredible value, as well.

Notes

This 30-acre estate only keeps one third of their production for making their own Champagne, selling off the rest of their fruit. They are the oldest grower-producer in their village. They have been estate-bottling Champagne since 1929, and they’ve been growing grapes longer than written records go back. Everything is aged in a hillside cellar that is over 50 feet deep at the back. This great 2012 Champagne is composed of half each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the oldest vines on the estate. It has a wonderful sourdough toast nose and a touch of smoke on the savory, dark cherry palate. After eight years on the lees, it still has a vigorous bead, and will go very well with paté, stuffed mushrooms or savory tarts. -Gary Westby, K&L