2012 Drappier ‘Grande Sendree’ Champagne

Winemaker Notes: This champagne presents itself in a ravishing pale yellow robe with topaz nuances. Time has used its patina to reveal the wine’s complexity. Hawthorn blends with acacia honey, beeswax and marzipan. When it is aerated, the wine resumes its murmurings, quince jelly meets raspberry jam and alternates with bergamot and warm brioche. On the palate it is invigorating, imposing and it teases the taste buds. The bead caresses and balances wild strawberry jam with ripe blood orange. This harmony is extended in a delicate minerality and a lovely bitterness in which hints of mandarin orange come through.

Ideal as an aperitif. Goes perfectly with bouillon of crayfish and grapefruit, poached turbot with sauce hollandaise, scallop carpaccio, rack of lamb with foie gras, creamed Bresse fowl with truffles, mountain comté at least 18 months old. Serve at 7°C.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "In 2012, severe weather conditions posed significant challenges for the Drappier family; hail impacted almost 70% of their village, and frost hit 20% of the La Grande Sendrée plot. This resulted in a limited yield of the 2012 Brut Grande Sendrée, which has a delicate, deep bouquet with aromas of pear, peach, orchard fruit, baked bread and spices. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s a layered and structured, tension-filled but ethereal Champagne with racy acidity. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, disgorged with 4.9 grams per liter dosage."


Decanter - "This delightful wine is a benchmark for the Aube. Its exquisite texture boasts a delightfully creamy, dense feel and vibrant energy. The fruit aromas range from ripe pear to apricot and quince, accented by fresh white flowers and a firm mineral note. The grapes come from a single site that has been in the family since the 19th century that is organically farmed and worked by horse. The base wines are fermented in large oak uprights and dosed at 4.5g/L after eight years on the lees. "


Vinous - "The 2012 Extra Brut Grande Sendrée is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from a single vineyard in Urville which had been covered in ashes following a fire in 1836. Creaminess and oven-warm Viennoiserie combine on the attractive nose of this golden wine. More air reveals a note of blossom honey. The palate is full of 2012's dramatic vigor, full of freshness but showing off sunshine with honeyed impressions and lovely concentration. Depth of flavor and fruit define the palate while freshness frames it all and gives sleek contour. Zesty length and a sense of grilled hazelnut lasts and echoes. Dosage is 4.5gr/L. Disgorged: December, 2022."


Jeb Dunnuck - "The 2012 Champagne Grande Sendree displays a yellow/golden color and is layered with aromas that gently coax from the glass, revealing notes of candied raspberries, cherries, brioche, floral perfume, and peppery spice. Full through the palate, with a silky, refined texture, a fine, fluffy mousse, and a supple, tapering finish, it’s approachable and generous at this stage and is drinking beautifully now, but it should have a good deal of longevity over the coming 8-10 years. Disgorged in June 2023 with 4.5 grams per liter dosage."