1995 Domaine Chandon Vintage Brut Rose

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.

Chandon are continuously seeking to refine their style and produce very sophisticated sparkling wine made from a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, the wine displays bright pale salmon pink colour. Subtle, refined nose, with aroma of biscuit, hints of strawberry and yeasty end notes. Rich, creamy palate texture with the subtle strawberry flavours emerging again. Perfect balance with clean acid finish and very long lingering yeast lees aftertaste. Cellar 2-3 years. Very limited stocks.

RATING: 91/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5