2017 Pierre Peters Les Montjolys Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Pierre Peters is a benchmark grower Champagne based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, founded in 1929 by Camille Peters and today run by Rodolphe Peters, farming around 20 hectares of predominantly Chardonnay across Le Mesnil (the core), with additional holdings in Oger, Avize and Cramant, including the famed Les Chetillons parcel acquired in 1930. Viticulture is meticulous, with replanting based on the estate's own massal selections, while vinification is largely in stainless steel (reserve wines held in a mix of steel, large oak and concrete) with partial malolactic fermentation and an emphasis on extended lees ageing to build texture and depth. The range moves from the non-vintage Blanc de Blancs Cuvee de Reserve and vintage L'Esprit through to the single-vineyard Le Mesnil bottlings Les Chetillons and Les Montjolys, and concludes with premium multi-vintage cuvees such as Reserve Oubliee (from a perpetual blend dating back to 1988) and L'Etonnant Monsieur Victor, with the house's hallmark being pure, chalk-driven Cote des Blancs Chardonnay built for serious ageing.

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Spéciale Les Montjolys, from a vineyard in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, where higher percentages of clay and an deeper topsoil render rounder wines, was disgorged in July 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter. A year that was undeniably more favorable to Chardonnay than to red grapes, 2017 is defined by lower-than-average yields and delivered a concentration that Rodolphe Péters compares to 2019. Soaring from the glass with a bouquet of tangerine zest, red apple, spices and bread dough, it’s full-bodied and textural, capturing power without weight. Les Montjolys shares a similar signature with Les Chétillons; but they are certainly no twin brothers, as Les Montjolys is a slightly richer, more demonstrative and less electric wine. It’s a charming rendition that will offer a broad drinking window. It’s worth keeping Les Montjolys more easily accessible, as these bottles can be enjoyed in their full expression earlier than Les Chétillons of the same vintage. Drink 2024-2040.
94 points
Kristaps Karklins - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2017 Brut Cuvée Spéciale Les Montjolys is a wild, exotic wine. Apricot, tangerine peel, gingerbread, dried flowers and strong tropical inflections give the 2017 its distinct personality. Soft contours lend notable immediacy. This is an especially open-knit vintage for Les Montjolys. It's a commendable effort for a year marked by late-season rain followed by heat, unfortunately ideal conditions for botrytis. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2024. Drink 2025-2032.
92 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

This has lovely peach, sliced almond, hazelnut and pear aromas. Some orange curd and saffron, too. It’s fruity and fragrant but fresh on the palate, with a delicious hint of oranges and underlying chalky minerality. Persistent finish. Disgorged July 2024. Drink now or hold.
96 points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com