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'D de Devaux', 2002 VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE (Includes exquisite box)
Producer
It is one of the biggest vineyard holders in the region, with 1,480 hectares in the Aube and the Côte des Blancs. This control over its grape supply is a rarity in Champagne, a region where growers traditionally sell to the houses who control the brands. Due to the favourable southerly location of many of its vineyards, Devaux is a Pinot Noir and Rosé specialist. The quality of the wines illustrates why Tom Stevenson, the UK’s leading writer on Champagne, listed Devaux as one of his top 10 fastest improving producers in Decanter magazine, and why France’s esteemed La Revue du Vin de France voted Devaux as 2010’s Best Co-operative of France.
Vineyards
The Cuvee ‘D’ wines are Devaux’s very best; the grapes are the very best quality from Champagne and so their growers who qualify for this high level are paid accordingly. Devaux is a Pinot Noir specialist and as such the majority of their vineyards are located in the Aube where Pinot Noir is the dominant variety. This location, on the slopes of the Côte des Bars, is important; it gives this variety a lovely Pinot Noir richness on the nose and a long finish, yet retains the finesse. Chardonnay is grown on the fine chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs to give liveliness and elegance to the blend.
Vinification
The wine was fermented in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation to give extra suppleness. Following fermentation, the liqueur de tirage was added and the wine underwent a slow second fermentation in bottle, and extended ageing on its lees for 5 years. This resulted in a wine with a finer, more persistent mousse and greater potential for complexity. After disgorgement, the wine received a Brut dosage of under 9g/l.
Tasting Notes
The 2002 shows a complex mix of biscuit and brioche with elegant buttery and toasted notes on the nose. Aromas of candied fruits and nutmeg follow, with some citrus fruits too. The palate is full-flavoured, combining balance of structure, finesse and freshness. Rich, red Pinot fruit matches the crisp lemon, bergamot and brioche character on the long, scented finish.
| Vintage |
2002 |
| Grape varieties |
52% Chardonnay
48% Pinot Noir |
| Region |
Côte des Bar, Champagne |
| Winemaker |
Michel Parisot |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
12%% |
