Cuvee William Deutz 2013

• A great champagne that ranks alongside Winston and Cristal at the top of the vintage

• Already remarkably drinkable but with great potential

Richard Juhlin writes on his website Champagneclub.com: ‘One of the most stylish champagnes of all categories. One of the real stars of the vintage. Red fruit, gijanduja and earthy, spicy notes characterise this champagne, which is already so much fun to drink.

The Deutz champagne house was founded in 1838 by two German emigrants from Aachen: William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann. Although still young, William had valuable knowledge from his apprenticeship at the renowned house of Bollinger. The two founded their company directly in Ay, the heart of Champagne, with the aim of producing only the very best quality.

During the First World War, the German branch of Deutz in Hagenau, Alsace, was confiscated. When Alsace reverted to France, the company split: Deutz-Geldermann moved its headquarters to Breisach, while William Deutz remained in Ay. In 1983, Deutz was finally taken over by Louis Roederer.

Even though Pinot Noir dominates, Deutz is characterised by elegance, finesse and a precise minerality. The perlage is particularly fine and delicate.

Unlike Roederer, Deutz consistently uses stainless steel tanks for the vinification and ageing of its wines. This means that the roasted aromas are not produced by wood, but by a long yeast maturation (autolysis), which gives the champagne aromas of toast, freshly ground coffee and roasted hazelnuts and almonds. In the case of William Deutz in particular, the extended ageing time ensures an exceptional creaminess and texture that harmonises perfectly with the smoky Pinot Noir notes and the lemony freshness of the Chardonnay.

96(93) Richard Juhlin champagneclub.com As usual a classic and delicious William Deutz right from the start. So invitingly rounded and lush without being too intrusive. Beautiful red fruit with a dominance of strawberries as it should be in Aÿ. Backed by a freshly baked bread, chocolate and nougat notes as well as honeysuckle and leather. Velvet and one of the most stylish champagnes in all categories. One of the vintage's real hits.

750 mL

12.5

Champagne

Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

Sulphites

• Brut

France

Champagne Deutz, 6 Rue Jeanson, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne, France