1999 Perrier Jouet, Belle Epoque

A lovely golden yellow, this shows both good concentration of fruit and an elegant, honeyed intensity on the palate, leading to a long complex finish while good acidity keeps everything in check and preserves a beautiful balance. This is, as head winemaker Séverine Frerson says, 'a stunning year', with balance and finesse and similar for her in style to the 1989. The most complete wine in the line-up so far and close to a glorious peak, but no sign of fading. 49% Chardonnay (Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger), 46% Pinot Noir (Bouzy, Mailly, Verzy and Aÿ), 5% Pinot Meunier (Dizy, Hautvillers and Venteuil). Dosage: 8g/L. Disgorged: 2006 (bottle), 2009 (magnum).

See score and full tasting note at champagneclub.com.

Slightly pink tinge – so definitely not the 1999 Blanc de Blancs described here. Fully evolved and headily perfumed – lots of Pinot? Sweet and flattering and rather pungent. Nice drink – very flattering, Requires no effort at all! Neat, quite powerful finish. (JR)