Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Champagne 2011
(Champagne, France) - [WE 94] [JS 92]

About the winery:
Perrier-Jouët was founded in 1811 in Epernay by Pierre-Nicolas-Marie Perrier and his wife, Adele Jouët. One of the most prestigious houses in Champagne, the firm was shipping wine to Great Britain by 1813 and to the United States by 1837. Perrier-Jouët owns 266 acres of vineyards in Champagne, with an average rating of 95%, and is known worldwide for its consistency of style.

By the end of the 19th Century, its Brut cuvées earned the reputation of nobility and prestige that continues today. Perrier Jouët's glamorous "Cuvée Belle Epoque", known in the United States as Fleur de Champagne, was launched in 1969 and has become the most important cuvée de prestige to appear after World War II. The bottle is adorned with enamel-painted anenomes originally created by Emile Gallé in 1900, but the wine is as famous for its taste as it is for its beautiful packaging.

Notes about the Vintage:
While preserving the House style, Herve Deschamps blended this Cuvée to emphasize the unique character of the 2011 vintage. His blend brings out the freshness and elegance of the Chardonnays (50%) from the grand crus of Cramant and Avize. From the Montagne de Reims, the Pinot Noir (45%) display a generosity and delicate complexity that prolong the Chardonnay's finesse. Finally, the rounded charm of the Pinot Meunier (5%) from Dizy provides the finishing touch to this beautifully balanced cuvée. Over six years ageing in Perrier-Jouet's cellars and a low dosage (9 grams per liter) further refine the generosity and sophistication of this great vintage.

Notes from the Winemaker:
"Belle Epoque 2011 is a wonderfully harmonious vintage displaying invigorating freshness and a fine balance o f smoothness and acidity, liveliness and refinement in perfect harmony." Herve Deschamps, Cellar Master

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"Always a light, ethereal style of wine, this is also very fresh and still young. It will age with its taut minerality from the Chardonnay in the blend. A softer background will become toasty over the next few years. The vintage date on this bottle is 200 years after the foundation of this producer. Drink from 2021." - RV (Dec 2018)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"A fresh edition with grapefruit, peaches and a wealth of bright-fruit aromas. The palate is finer and more chiseled in 2011. The flavors are quite elegant and there’s a neat, succulent feel at the finish. Drink or hold." (Jul 2018)