Aÿ Vauzelle Terme

Jacquesson is a Champagne producer based in the Dizy region of Champagne. The house was founded in 1798 by Memmie Jacquesson. The house makes the claim it is the oldest independent Champagne house. The fame of the house grew following the rumor that it was a favorite of Napoleon, who bestowed upon the house a gold medal for its fine cellars. By 1867 annual sales of Jacquesson bottles had reached 1 million but a period of decline followed the death of Adolphe Jacquesson, until in 1974 when it was bought by Jean Chiquet. In 1978, Chiquet family moved it to their family estate. In 1988, Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet took over and have overseen a rapid rise to prominence: in the 2005 La Revue Des Vins De France, Jacquesson was rated third best of all houses after Bollinger and Krug. The base wine is vinified in large old oak casks. Smaller 500-liter oak casks may be used for extended aging or stocking of reserve wines before bottling.

Blanc de Noir. Pinot Noir vines planted in 1980 on mid-slope facing due south. Very calcareous soil over a bedrock of chalk. Unfiltered. No dosage.

Super fine, fresh, lightly toasted bread, stone and chalk with lemon blossom and toasted almonds. The palate has such finesse and precision and delivers a super fine, lemon thread of flavor with fine-etched acidity, delivering length and detail. So elegant.