J. Dumangin Fils. Premier Cru Extra Brut 'Le Vintage' 2009

The proper 'growers' Champagnes from J. Dumangin Fils are attracting increasing interest as opposed to the heavily branded offerings of the Grandes Marques. This vintage Champagne is only released when Gilles Dumangin believes it is readily approachable. Made from roughly equal volumes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this alluring wine will age well for at least a decade if sympathetically cellared.

The grapes are harvested from 25-year-old vines and fermented in stainless steel and enamel vats. After the addition of a liqueur de triage, the wine then rests on its lees for thirty months before disgorging, which takes place approximately three months before the wine is ready for shipping. At this stage a final dosage (of sugar) dictates the dryness of the Champagne and the 'house' style. Rémuage (the process of moving the sediment to the neck of the bottle before disgorgement) takes place manually and on wooden stands.

Honeyed depth, rich fruit and texture, nervy acidity and a clean, bone-dry finish - as well as plenty of years left in it for cellaring!