Clearly I’m out of the loop when it comes to all things Chandon and such, but this special release Chandon ‘The Gauntlet’ Blanc de Noirs doesn’t seem to have had much fanfare around its release at all. Curious for a business as big as Moet Hennessy…
100% Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley, the 2011 vintage was one year where plenty of makers had to take some risks to get ripe fruit, which is probably why this is named The Gauntlet. Fruit comes from sites up at Woori Yallock as well as the valley floor, picked at between 10.5-11.3 baume. It spends 40 months on lees, with final numbers of pH 3.2, TA 7.5g/L and RS 5g/L.
Very serious fizz it is too, with a very dry and firm that is driven by acidity in a spanking fresh style, though difficult to see the lees influence to soften the edges. It’s just a bit awkward, but the length and drive is right up at the top end of Aussie fizz. Anything but Champagne, but an elegant aperitif style. Best drinking: 2016-2025. 17.5/20, 91/100+. 12.5%, $55. Would I buy it? Just a fraction lean and firm for mine. Admirable style though.
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