Pierre Peters Brut Cuvée de Réserve NV
Fun stuff! Bright, refreshing aromatics, with a delectable note of clover. The palate is nicely acidic and nutty but very refreshing - but maybe a bit opulent? Or then my tastes in Bl de Bl are rather extreme? Whichever, I like it!
Pierre Peters Extra Brut NV
This is even more to my taste: grassy, steely and citrussy; leaner but more elegant than the CdR. Very nice stuff! I must buy this more often.
Jacquesson Avize Grand Cru 1995
Looks young, slight green tint. The nose is slightly bisquitty, very tartly appley and has a very slight nutty hint also. The mousse is small and intense. The palate is wonderfully acidic - I can see how some might find it too tart, but for me it works beautifully. It is very dry, but does have nice, varietally true Chardonnay fruit to it also. Very long, with some bitterness/quinine on the aftertaste. I like this very much.
Jacquesson Avize Grand Cru 1996
Young looking. The nose is quite lovely: it smells of brazil nuts and is surprisingly floral for a Bl de Bl. Where the '95 was stylishly austere, this is comparatively fruity. The mousse is elegant. The palate is very dry, but has a great concentration of fruit but is delightfully acidic. Long and mineral aftertaste. Quite lovely!
-O-
I'm glad you enjoyed the aged characteristics as not many seem to care for them. But I love that period in champs developments where there is still fruit, but it has turned all mushroomy and slightly oxidative. Heaven.