Pehu-Simonet Blanc de Noirs Fins Lieux #1 2011
VERY SUSTAINABLE
Pehu-Simonet Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Brut | Notes on the bottling disgorged in June 2011 | 12% | David Pehu makes this equipoised Blanc de Noirs exclusively from Pinot Noir grown in his Grand Cru parcels of Verzeney and herein delivers a telling, true-to-type Montagne de Reims –exemplary in conveying the limestone into a fetching champagne of Pinot Noir. Honeycomb, poached apple and violets carry on to the palate from that first proud breath and curl about raspberries and soda bread. Broad shoulders of Verzenay don’t weigh this substantial body down but rather flex and bound to carry all its rich textured fruit over a bottomless mineral chasm of profound depth. Without a hair out of place, this is a beguiling beauty despite all its might with crunchy raspberries echoing and echoing and echoing on the finish. Totally floored, I am a better person for having tasted this.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, October 2013
"All 2006 and all Verzenay (Les Noues and Les Perthois), old vines, 60% vinified in wood. Disgorged 6/09, this reveals a thrilling glimpse into the deep well of Verzenay: like plum and saffron cake, wholly original and yummy.
Wine review by Terry Theise
Expert Review
92 Rating Wine Advocate
The NV Brut Blanc de Noirs is 100% 2008 Pinot Noir from Verzenay. It seems cool, minerally and implosive, with fabulous energy, focus and cut. The personality of the year comes through in spades in this understated and totally beautiful Champagne. White flowers, citrus and crushed rocks are layered into the finish. Pehu used oak for 60% of the wine and stainless steel for the remainder. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged June 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.
David Pehu keeps making better and better wines. This year Pehu began harvesting on the 22nd of August, the first time he had ever picked before September. - Wine Advocate
90 Rating Stephen Tanzer
(100% pinot noir, from Verzenay; disgorged June, 2011): Light yellow-gold. Aromas of dried pear, quince and redcurrant, plus a hint of musky herbs. Broad and fleshy, with good depth to its red berry and orchard fruit flavors. Mineral and spice notes sneak up on the finish, adding lift and back-end cut to this rich, chewy Champagne. - Tanzer
Food Pairings
Roasted birds are a preternatural match but Pinot Noir goes with any number of dishes ranging from those incorporating wild game and foraged mushrooms to veal stews or grilled fleshy fish. For a classic cheese pairing hunt down some Epoisse...
