Andre Jacquart Millesime Experience 2012 Magnum

We liked the 2012 vintage at Andre Jacquart so much that we also bought magnums. The Doyard family concentrates on their work and is also not networked in the sommelier scene, which helps some champagne start-ups to achieve quick fame, so that the house is only known to a few connoisseurs.

The 2012 from Andre Jacquart (not to be confused with the House of Jacquart) is made from the best parcels of particularly old vines in Le Mesnil sur Oger, such as the famous Lieu Dit Chetillons. It is already in a great drinking window.

The fruit is quite the typical Jacquart blend of lemon, peach and cherry, underpinned by a discreet walnut spice that only appears very lightly on the finish. There is also some vanilla brioche, from the Burgundian ageing in used oak barrels. The vinous, Burgundian richness is complemented by the sparkling minerality of Le Mesnil, which adds tension to the palate.

Andre Jacquart, under Marie Doyard's direction, has become one of the most interesting houses in the Côte de Blancs, working in the Selosse style. The emphasis here, however, is not on power and spice as with Selosse. but more on freshness and finesse.