Personal advice
Never since the very first vintage in 1972 had La Grande Dame contained such a high proportion of Pinot Noir as in 2008: 92%. In the early years (1970s) Pinot Noir already dominated, but in recent decades the Chardonnay proportion had settled at around 40%.
The first words that come to mind are the English terms “bold” and “flamboyant”. Without doubt, the 2008 has power and the brilliant acidity structure of the vintage, which goes back to a cool but dry and sunny summer. This Grande Dame 2008 consists of Pinot Noir from Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy and Verzenay, and Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Mineral-driven parcels like Verzy and Verzenay are meant to dominate the Pinot-Noir character.
The dosage is very low at only 3 g/l. For the first time in 20 years, a significant part of the wines was fermented and matured in oak barrels. After ten years on the lees, the mousse feels creamy. This vintage has decades of ageing potential ahead and is still right at the beginning of its development.
The nose is initially restrained: dried figs and apricots, ripe pears, hazelnuts and walnuts as well as smoky notes. On the palate there is a tingling minerality and discreet fruity aromas of lemon, though nutty notes clearly dominate.
The body is full, the palate silky with fine mousse. The brilliant acidity ensures enormous ageing potential. Anyone wishing to enjoy it now should ideally open the bottle several hours in advance and decant it.
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin Cellar