Pehu-Simonet Brut Selection Face Nord Gr Cru
Pehu-Simonet Selection Brut Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims | Disgorged February 2011 | 12% | Champagne from the 2009 vintage with 30% of the previous year’s blend – the cepage is 60% Pinot Noir from David Pehu’s holdings in Verzenay and Verzy-Sillery and 40% Chardonnay exclusively from Verzenay. A billowing nose of membrillo quince paste, flint and steel, lemon curd and custard, greengage plum skins, chalky and an invigorating high hat, toe tapping lift to a voluminous Montagne de Reims whose rich character echoes on a fragrant finish.
Wine tasting by Nicholas Livingston, October 2013
Pehu-Simonet “Sélection” Brut NV
David Pehu, the 4th generation of his family to make grower Champagnes, produces all of 3,750 cases of bubbly each year (versus 2 million cases at Moet). Fortunately for us, a few cases make it to Minnesota. The “Sélection” is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, all Grand Cru – mostly from the village of Verzenay on the Montagne de Reims. David’s wines are dry but lush and deep and satisfying – “generous, fine, and compelling”. (Terry Theise)
Any worlds of concern fall away while nosing this Champagne –similar to the moment when the accompanying symphony fades from audible focus as Rhadames Angelucci’s oboe rings out, revealing the orphic powers of that legendary musician along with the enveloping warmth of the high woodwinds when and only when the reeds are at the right lips. David Pehu is the gifted gift to Champagne in this case and it the brighter place for hosting his transcendent talent. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and 100% Grand Cru, this is a Champagne with momentum. All the Chardonnay is from Verzenay and the Pinot Noir is from Verzenay, Verzy and Sillery. The majority of the cuvée is from 2007 vintage (70%) and the balance is reserve wines. 10% of the total cuvée is fermented in 4-5 year-old oak and the dosage is 8 grams per liter. One might think knowing these specs would be enough to recreate this wine but that’s absolute folly –like claiming an oboe will sound the same from any other than Rhadames Angelucci. You must hear it for yourself to know the joys it brings as imagination and wishful thinking fall short no matter how colorful.
- Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, February 2011
70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. All Grand Cru.
Rose petals and dried cherries on the nose with elements of sweet toast. Very rich and nicely rounded in the mouth with more red cherry fruit and pieces of licorice, spice, and strawberry fruit throughout. Delicious and decadent with hints of sweet vanilla and a dry, crisp finish.
- Wine Tasting Note by KS, February 2011
Expert Review
92 Vinous Media
"The NV Brut Sélection Grand Cru is a big step up from the Transparence. Here it is the wine's pure texture and volume that stand out above all else. Rich, creamy and voluptuous, the Sélection impresses for its overall balance and total sense of finesse. Clean saline notes support the striking finish. David Pehu has done a terrific job bringing together power with elegance in this impeccably balanced Champagne. The Sélection is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, based on the 2011 vintage, with 30% reserve wines going back to 2005. The Pinot is from Verzy and Verzenay, while the Chardonnay is all Verzenay fruit. Disgorged January 2014. Dosage is 8 grams."
Antonio Galloni
* Peter Liem's Champagne Guide
"Pehu’s non-vintage brut is highly terroir-specific: 70 percent of it is pinot noir from Verzenay and Verzy, while the remaining 30 percent is chardonnay from Verzenay. This version is full in body but silky and suave in texture, its lush flavors of apple, mangosteen and guava feeling vibrant and pure. It largely avoids the vegetal character common in 2011-based champagnes, and it’s fresh, clean and delicious to drink. Last tasted: 3/14"
Peter Liem
91 Rating - International Wine Cellar
"Light, vivid gold. Exotic aromas of Bosc pear, floral honey, vanilla bean and brown spices, plus a lashing of smoky minerals. Pliant orchard fruit flavors coat the palate, enlivened by zesty mineral and white flower notes. A suave blend of depth and energy, offering excellent finishing cut and grip." Wine review by Stephen Tanzer, November 2008
91 Rating - Wine Spectator
"The ripe apricot, apple blossom and tangerine notes of this juicy Champagne find an interesting counterpoint in the pleasant saltiness that winds through the wine like a sea breeze. Fresh and well-balanced, with a lingering hint of graphite and candied lemon peel on the finish." Wine review by AN, October 2010
90 Rating - Wine Advocate
"The NV Brut Grand Cru Selection flows with layers of cool, mineral laced fruit. The Selection is 70% Pinot (70% Verzenay, 20% Sillery, 10% Verzy) and 30% Chardonnay from Verzenay, so it is hardly surprising that village’s pedigree and personality come through in spades. The open, floral bouquet adds lift and freshness on the finish. This is an impressive, entry-level Champagne." Wine review by Wine Advocate, December 2010
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...
