1992 Domaine Chandon Vintage Brut

DOMAINE CHANDON – THE SECRET MUSEUM COLLECTION

Domaine Chandon is Australia’s foremost sparkling wine producer. During a conversation on the high costs of sparkling wine production, Chandon’s financial controller, Rob Peebles, let out that a number of wines from the best vintages had been set aside and deliberately “lost”. This smelt too much like a private cache of top wine set aside for Directors - the catch was how to get hold of it! We had a lucky break, Dr. Tony Jordan was in France and winemaker, Wayne Donaldson was recently promoted to run Chandon California. The person left in charge of this “museum” was a financial controller and Peebles’ only passion in life is money. (It’s so easy to deal with people when there are no emotions attached.) A deal was done - on the condition that we had to taste everything first and subject to quality we would proceed. Let us say, we have not been disappointed.

Another superb example of aged ‘methode champenoise’ made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Brilliant straw colour with outstanding mousse and very persistent bead. The nose displays excellent cork aged aroma, with distinct yeast autolysis and biscuit nose, but no sign of citrus, which was evident on the 90-1 Brut. Slightly broader palate, but by no means coarse. Explosive creamy palate texture with flavours of hazelnut and yeast lees. Outstanding length and persistence with very long yeast lees, biscuit nut aftertaste. Cellar another 2-3 years or why wait, enjoy. Very limited stocks