Similar climatic conditions took place in the summers of 2015, 2006 and 1999—exceptional heat, rendering light-engorged grapes; yet the differences of time tell of shifts in a day: from dawn to zenith, into twilight.
It is a story told in a trilogy, chosen by Cellar Master Benoît Gouez. Three vintages narrate the passage of time: luminescence across a day, across different summers, across decades, including the impact of different maturation periods of around seven, 15, and 21 years.
Each of these three champagnes is blended from the grapes picked only in the year on their label, and each extra-brut sharing the same dosage of 5g/liter.
2015—Sun rising. Nicknamed “Luminous Morning” by Cellar Master Benoît Gouez, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015 is a portrait of ardent sun, like that which contributed to the profile of this complex and charismatic blend.
Dry summer, record heat, the hottest since 1961. Bold Pinot Noir 44%, Chardonnay 32% and Meunier 24%, tastes like this: a botanical bouquet with initial notes of breadcrumbs, fresh brioche and almond paste give way to elderflower and jasmine, then to fruits such as white peach and watermelon. Notes of garrigue at dawn complete the finish.
1999—After-glow delight. Warm, powerful, and generous is Grand Vintage Collection 1999, a “Vibrant Twilight”. At harvest, the vines were expansive, as were their shadows, with nature emanating an end-of-day scent.
Cycles of heat and storms, with a “tropical” torrential end-of-summer rain. Pinot Noir 38%, Chardonnay 31% and a historically high concentration of Meunier 31%. Maturity tastes like this: dark warm aromas sweet with licorice and nougatine then dry with mocha, hazelnut, toast and charcoal. Generous notes of candied grapes, dates and honey end on a bitter finish of coffee or licorice.
