Cuvée 740 Degorgement Tardif

Jacquesson, founded in 1798 in Dizy, claims to be the oldest independent Champagne house. Its fame grew with a rumored favor from Napoleon. After a decline following Adolphe Jacquesson’s death, Jean Chiquet bought it in 1974, moving it to the family estate in 1978. Since 1988, Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet have restored its prestige; in 2005 it was rated the third-best Champagne house after Bollinger and Krug. Base wines are vinified in large old oak casks, with smaller 500-liter casks used for aging or reserves.

Jacquesson Cuvée 740 “Degorgement Tardif”, after having spent 94 months on lees, was disgorged in April 2021. This clearly means that the house is confident in the wine’s potential. There are just 14601 bottles available. The main advantage of a late disgorgement is that the wine evolves in an aromatic and gastronomic way, redolent of old vintages but in keeping a great freshness. This wine has a no dosage. It’s mainly made from the great 2012 harvest and it’s a very elegant, fine, and fresh champagne with a very good aging potential.

It has a deep gold color with subtle brioche, floral notes and ripe apple on the nose. The palate is one of remarkable finesse and an impressive power, the mouth is tense and mineral. Apple, lemons with hints of gooseberry combine with a creamy pastry underlying the freshness. As often in 2012 in the great Champagne houses, the wines are fresh, precise and of a remarkable quality.