2002 Pommery, Cuvee Louise

The 2002 Cuvée Louise from Pommery is just my type of champagne. It has a seductive nose with scents of Mirabelle, brioche and crushed stone - exquisitely defined and harmonious. The palate has a smooth texture, but the acidity keeps this on its tippy toes. Slightly peachy in style, veins of lemon thyme come through towards a finish that sashays along effortlessly. Maybe it's not "cool" like some artisan growers, but I was not the only person in the room with a big smile on my face drinking this. Tasted at the Pomerol 1961 dinner in Hong Kong.

Cuvée Louise made its debut with the 1979. The firm’s prestige champagne is always made ??in a softer, more refined style than vintage wine. The 2002 has an exceptionally soft and luxurious mousse. The aroma is typical of Louise Pommery with notes of mature Brie de Meaux-elements combined with vanilla, freshly baked bread and orange. Tested next to the this vintage seems like a young racing horse headed straight forward with crazy energy. Bright young colour, incredibly beautiful mousse, creamy texture and elegant sophisticated fruit. An incredibly soft and easy to drink champagne. Handsome and stylish. Medium-bodied and very soft and charming house style.

The 2002 Cuvée Louise Brut is dressed in an intense citrus colored robe and offers – as if it was a Pfalz Riesling – ripe yellow fruit aromas of pineapples, oranges and ripe peaches along with noble yeasty layers in the background. Full-bodied, rich and fresh on the palate, Madame Louise is a firm and almost mineral structured, persistent Champagne of complexity, finishing with a refreshing citric aroma as well as a stimulating salinity and purity. Good length and balance.

Very pretty. Not flashy but finely sculpted. Reminds me of the role this wine played in this 2002 prestige champagne tasting . (JR)

Creamy, yoghurt, dairy – almost oaky? Then a dry, fibrous, lengthy finish. Loads of power and density. (RH)