-
95
/ 100
Falstaff Magazine -
94
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
94
/ 100
James Suckling -
94
/ 100
Decanter
Sparkling
Classification
Chardonnay
Variety
2014
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Champagne,
Region
12.0%
Alcohol %
5-10 Years
Cellaring
Scores
95 / 100"Bright straw yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Delicate biscuit and lime zest, subtle yellow tropical fruit underlay, lime-mineral, attractive bouquet. Taut, tightly knit, white apple, delicate acidity, light-footed and yet very persistent, a balanced accompaniment to food with good ripening potential."
- Falstaff Magazine
94 / 100
"“Delamotte's just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn't as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.”"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
94 / 100
"“A pretty Blanc de Blancs with aromas of white grapefruit, lemon pith, dried honeysuckle and white peach. Silky and creamy with bright acidity and an elegant finish."
- James Suckling
94 / 100
"“Offering up an elegant yet bright bouquet, this 2014 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs opens in the glass with orchard fruits, verbena, lemon zest, pastry, and slightly reductive aromas. Chiselled and perfectly balanced, the palate is lively and intense, and expresses clearly the fruit and the straightforward nature of the 2014 vintage. Should age well for a decade or so.”"
- Decanter
Tasting Notes
With a history of more than 250 years, Delamotte is the 5th oldest champagne house in the world. Since 1988 it became the sister house to the legendary Salon estate under the Laurent-Pierrer group. Like Salon, Delamotte is a chardonnay specialist. Whilst its NV and Roses do contain pinot, it’s its Blanc de Blancs that are the real stars of this champagne house.
When Salon does not declare a vintage, the wines go to Delamotte, Salon’s sister property and neighbor. Because of that, the Delamotte Champagnes are often mentioned as an after thought. That is a shame, because the Delamotte Champagnes deserve to be appreciated on their own terms. This is what we’ll demonstrate with this fantastic 2012 vintage.
Stylistically, the two houses produce very different champagnes. Whilst Salon tends to make very austere champagnes made for ageing for decades, Delamotte tends to be more approachable as its made from grapes sourced across several grand cru villages of Cote de Blanc - Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant. Unlike Salon, Delamotte sees full malolactic fermentation, which softens the edges and gives it the creaminess to drink well with minimal cellaring.
To each his own style. At Mesnil-sur-Oger (20%), acidity, purity and chalky minerality. In Avize (20%), balance and structure. In Oger (20%), warmth, scale and generosity. In Cramant, the smoky minerality. In Chouilly, the frame and the length. Finally in Oiry, acidity and roundness. Each stronghold has its score which, performed in concert, transcends this Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2014 champagne. It will have aged on the lees for six long years. That's not much compared to the power of this wine. Its richness is only equaled by its concentration and yet it is airy. We even discover it generous... Supreme elegance of a wine for keeping!
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity