N.V. André Clouet Champagne Cuvée 1911

André Clouet Cuvée 1911, the 13th release, bottle #1451, disgorged June 30, 2008. A blend of 1995 (25%), 1996 (50%), and 1997 (25%), 150% Champagne goodness.

The grapes are sourced from a single (Grand Cru) vineyard in Bouzy, "leased" from the French government with the understanding that no more than 1911 bottles of wine be produced at a time. And what is the significance of this number? A reference to the Champagne Riots of 1910-1911, a dispute primarily between growers (like Clouet) and the Grandes Marques et Maisons de Champagne. The dispute escalated to the point that some 40,000 French troops were sent in to enforce peace, and which ultimately resulted in the precursor to the AOC system.

Ok, enough history. Round and full, full of yeast, caramels, even some tropical fruit, yet dry and crisp, brightness led by lemons and pomegranates... PN power, but not overpowering, complex and deep, balanced, yet light and refreshing. Easy and enjoyable to drink, or to ponder.

Champagne critic Richard Juhlin writes about this cuvée, "[this wine] breathes flowery freshness and perfectly avoids the clumsiness that is often found in blanc de noirs." Go on son!

With the packaging of this bottle comes a little booklet giving the vital statistics for the wine, but also with this old photograph of the Family Clouet, presumably out for a picnic in the vineyards:

Good times in the countryside.