Michel Arnould & Fils, Verzenay Grand Cru, Mémoire de Vignes, 2011
What an absolutely romantic name, Mémoire de Vignes, for a Blanc de Noirs that showcases what this Verzenay master can craft out of Pinot Noir vines. A nutty, autumnal broth of lemon rind, mushrooms and salt, the very characterful nose is echoed by powerful, yet focused, flavors and a form that is broad, deep and detailed and gripping, its force tempered by elegance. This is a wine that unfolds new, nigh Chardonnay, nuances as it and the evening unfolds: chalk, citrus fruit, white flowers. In short, a Champagne that delivers everything I look for in a grower Champagne, all this from a north facing Grand Cru and an erratic, cool, early vintage!.
About 60 USD. Worth every cent and every effort required to find a bottle.
By the way, the reason I opened it was because I got a commendation in our quarterly business unit meeting. The way office politics work here, I was a black horse and my boss just told me I had no excuse to skip the meeting and didn't say why. Nice surprise.
And my wife fell asleep after half a glass, so more for me.
