Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs "Le Mesnil" Grand cru 1989

The structure and aromatic richness of an exceptional Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

The property

Founded in Reims in 1981, Bruno Paillard is one of the youngest houses in Champagne. With an uncompromising selection of terroirs, exclusive use of the first presses, blends made from a vast collection of reserve wines, and an ageing period twice as long as that required by the appellation's specifications, the range of Bruno Paillard champagnes reflects this constant quest for excellence and the desire to create a "very personal style".

The vineyard

The Champagne Bruno Paillard House oversees an exceptional vineyard patiently assembled over 32 hectares of vines spread over 15 crus, including 12 classified as "Grand Crus". The vineyard brings together the great terroirs of Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Cumières, Verzenay, as well as the exceptional Cru des Riceys located in the south of Champagne.

The wine

This Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru 1989 is made from a single year (1989) and a single terroir located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The grapes indeed come from two plots "Les Mournoirs" and "Pudepeigne". A little over 40 years old, these old vines facing east / south-east are planted on gentle slopes with a massive limestone subsoil.

The vintage

The very clement conditions of March favour an early bud burst followed by frosts at the end of April as well as icy rains and even snow. More favourable conditions later allow the development of counter-buds replacing those destroyed by frost. Stormy episodes during flowering lead to millerandage. Despite these difficult climatic conditions, the grapes harvested twice over nearly 7 weeks, are of great quality and beautiful maturity.

Vinification and ageing

Produced only in magnum, this vintage 1989 champagne from Bruno Paillard underwent an exceptional ageing period of 18 years on lees at an ambient temperature of 10.5°C. Its disgorgement in 2008 is followed by an additional ageing of 6 years.

Blend

Chardonnay (100%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru 1989 from Bruno Paillard

Tasting

Colour
Shiny, the colour is a beautiful golden hue adorned with green reflections. The effervescence is of great finesse.

Nose
The first nose reveals delicious saline and iodine notes conferred by the chalky minerality of the chardonnay. The nose becomes more complex on aeration and mixes buttery, toasted aromas, candied citrus peels and almond paste.

Palate
With a beautiful vivacity on the attack, the palate seduces with its subtle balance between structure and power. As the tasting progresses, the palate mixes gourmet and brioche flavours up to a chiselled finish of beautiful persistence.