1990 Domaine Chandon Late Disgorged Brut

From the outset Domaine Chandon, situated in Victoria's Yarra Valley have pursued complexity of flavour as one of their primary objectives and as a result, the concept of a single vineyard grape source was abandoned. This is a similar approach taken by the parent company Moet and Chandon. Grapes from up to fifty cool climate vineyards are sourced - a formidable task for vineyard manager Michael Murtagh who is responsible for supervising all fifty sites. Tasting of the fifty base wines prior to blending is an enlightening experience - the variety of aroma and flavours vary dramatically as does the acidity. The final wine is a blend of all the fifty component parts together with some aged reserves, which make a strong contribution to complexity. In 1990 complexity is further enhanced by extended lees content. The 1990 Late Disgorged methode champenoise is a world class wine and by relative standards exceptionally well priced. A blend of 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot - the wine has spent 5 years on lees which has added a considerable amount of bottle complexity. Deep straw colour. The nose is pronounced with delightful yeasty / nutty overtones. The palate is full flavoured, creamy with yeast autolysis characters persisting. Clean, fresh and long aftertaste. Definitely a food style. Superb.