2013 Champagne Claude Cazals Clos Cazals Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru (750ml)

Clos Cazals may be one of Champagne’s best-kept secrets. It sits tucked away in the Mesnil-sur-Oger, a Grand Cru village that is located in the Côte des Blancs just south of Epernay. The Blanc de Blancs produced in this small village are amongst the world’s top echelon sparkling wines. The Domaine, which began in 1897, has 9ha (about 22 acres) of vines spread across 4 villages in the Cotes de Blancs; Le Mesnil sur Oger, Oger, Vertus and Villeneuve. The pearl of the Domaine is a 3.7 ha Clos in the heart of Oger next to the Church. From this special site comes, what we think, is a serious top contender in Champagne. This wine is made of Chardonnay that comes from 60 year old vines, is hand-harvested then gently pressed. Fermentation, including full malolactic, occurs in a mixture of stainless steel and neutral French barrels then aged for no less than 10 years. It contains a dosage of 2g/liter. The wine is pure and elegant. It smells and tastes of brioche, apple, ginger, nutmeg, white fl