Champagne Roses de Jeanne, Côte de Bechalin, Cédric Bouchard (Base 2009)

The 2009 Blanc de Noirs Côte de Béchalin formerly La Parcelle) is powerful, tightly wound and very much closed in on itself, which is quite surprising given the natural ripeness of the 2009 vintage. Of course, that also means readers won't find any of the blowsy character that some 2009s show. Bright, precise and translucent, the Côte de Béchalin graces the palate with an exquisite array of lively orchard fruit and sweet, floral overtones that show the brighter side of Pinot Noir. Quite simply, the 2009 Côte de Béchalin is a total knock-out, not to mention a real pleasure to taste today. Disgorged: April 2016. No dosage.