What a great vintage! A year marked by cold weather in Champagne, where it was not until late April that no more sub-zero temperatures were recorded. May, June and August were cool and rainy, leaving doubts about the quality and quantity of the future harvest. The 2 sunny, warm and dry weeks of mid-July and early September (just before the harvest) ensure full ripeness and impeccable harvest quality. Once again, the great winemakers have risen to nature's challenge to make 2008 a very great vintage, conducive to the elaboration of very great Champagne.
This is the case with this cuvée N.P.U. (Nec Plus Ultra) Rosé 2008, composed in equal parts of Chardonnay from Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Mailly and Bouzy, all classified as Grand Cru. Vinification takes place in small red oak barrels, before spending 10 years on the lees in the cellar. Disgorgement is followed by dosage at 3g/L, a Extra brut. The wines spend a further 24 months ageing to reach the level of expression required by Bruno Paillard. Only 2608 bottles were produced.
This Champagne presents itself in a sparkling, orangey-pink color. The nose is intense with red fruit, black fruit and cedar wood, generous with honey, mocha and elderflower, and finally dynamic with blood orange and paprika. The attack on the palate is lively, yet serene and saline. There's wild strawberry, bigarreau cherry, violet, roasted chestnut ... a real bouquet of flavors that ensures a persistent finish.
This Extra brut N.P.U. Rosé 2008 vintage of Bruno Paillard is a partner of choice for a slice of pan-fried duck foie gras, or a simple pan-fried razor clam with garlic butter.
