2005 Chandon Vintage Brut - Museum Release

Chardonnay is dominant varietal in Chandon's 2005 cuvee, with the Pinot Noir component providing the weight and focus on the back palate. The final composition is 57% Chardonnay, 41% Pinot Noir and 2% Pinot Meunier. The wine spent over two and a half years ageing on yeast and was disgorged in November 2007 before release in January 2008. It has since been developing further richness and complexity.

An outstanding local effort that is remarkably 'Champagne-like' at its price

Excellent white creamy mousse showing very good staying power. Exceptionally fine and very persistent bead with bright pale straw base colour. Good yeast autolysis top notes are followed by some aromas of toast and a hint of citrus. The palate is very refined showing good complexity with flavours of yeast lees, toast, biscuit and citrus. Creamy texture with a clean crisp dry finish. Aftertaste of yeast lees, toast and biscuit.
Drink over the next 2-3 years (2010-2013)
Alc 12.5% Bottled under a crown seal.

Other Reviews….
The blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meuniere is composed of 30 different multi-region components, and spent 24 months on lees. It is, without question, one of the best vintage bruts from Domaine Chandon for many years. Touches of biscuit and brioche are woven through delicious fruit flavours, the lingering, clean finish with perfect dosage.
95 Points
James Halliday – The Australian Top 100 – 2008