Le Mesnil Experience Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV

Mesnil Experience Grand Cru Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV

  • Champagne AOC, 
  • Champagne, 
  • france

Latest Awards

  • 96 points James Suckling , August 2024
  • 92 points Wine Enthusiast , December 2020
Background

Andre Jacquart is a grower champagne in the truest sense. For four generations, the parents and grandparents of André Jacquart only produced Champagne grapes. In 1958 André Jacquart introduced a new spirit in the family, producing his own estate-bottled Champagne in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru. Since 2004, Champagne André Jacquart has been located in Vertus Premier Cru with their Champagnes exclusively coming from the terroir of Vertus and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Major work was undertaken and the fifth generation, represented by Marie Doyard (the granddaughter of André Jacquart) stepped in to run the business and inspire it with her own philosophy of vinification in oak barrels, long ageing periods, and low or no dosage. Interestingly, Marie’s paternal grandfather, Maurice Doyard, was instrumental in the creation of the AOC Champagne and the delimitation of its vineyard areas. Champagne André Jacquart prides itself on its forward-looking ethos and pioneering spirit, focusing primarily on respect for the terroir and high quality. In line with its strategy, the estate was certified HVE 3 for its sustainable winegrowing practices in 2019.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

From the chalky slopes of the Grand Cru terroir of Mesnil-Sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. The mineral-driven character and high acidity demand that this wine needs time to evolve in the bottle.

Winemaking & Aging

70% aged in old Burgundy oak barrels. André Jacquart use as part of their barrel fermentation regime Aquaflex barrels for still wine fermentation of the grand cru chardonnay grapes. These barrels moderate oak impact, and bring delicate aromas of vanilla and soft spices, with more expression of the initial fruit characters of the wine. Zero dosage. No malolactic fermentation. Minimum five years lees contact before disgorgement.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant pale gold, persistent and fine bead. Smoky minerality reminiscent of Meursault Perrieres. Ethereal fruit, almost as though a food “foam” of granny smith apple and a bit of girolle mushroom. Light entry, again, like a fog or cloud, ethereal and light yet so expressive. Almost as though it had intensity of flavor without being wet. Laser-like focus of fruit, precise and defined flavors of Anjou pear, granny smith apple, chanterelles, almost like an infusion or tea of intense flavors with lively, creamy, and exceptionally refined bubbles. Elegant powerful, and yet light, almost dreamlike consistency.

96
Points

Full of chalky minerality and vibrant white pepper and slightly buttery with candied lemon and lemon curd. Firm acidity with a chewy, medium-bodied palate and a polished finish. Fine, pinprick mousse. Drink or hold. -J.S.

James Suckling - August 2024

93
Points

Most of this chardonnay (70 percent) ages in old oak barrels from Burgundy. It hasn’t gone through malolactic and has no dosage, so nothing gets in the way of the clean, fresh sense of sun on limestone, of pithy citrus flavor and tense, unforgiving acidity. As Eduardo Porto Carreiro of NYC’s Untitled said, “It hurts so good.”

Wine & Spirits - December 2016

92
Points

Light, fine, elegant and bone dry with notes of lemon curd, white flowers, almond biscotti, honey and chalk. Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis

Planet Grape - September 2016

92
Points

A Champagne to decant, this needs air or bottle age to reveal its complexity. What starts as high acidity and sweet fruit merges into an ornate and powerful wine, its structure amped up by some oak-aged lots in the blend. The limestone pallor of the acidity and narrow drive of Mesnil-sur-Oger fruit makes it a gripping chardonnay to serve with boudin blanc.

Wine & Spirits - December 2015

92
Points

Refined, with floral, spice and a touch of coconut highlighting citrus and vanilla flavors. The supple texture is backed by vibrant acidity as this cruises to a long finish. On the dry side and vinous. Drink now through 2012. 500 cases made. –BS

Wine Spectator - December 2008

92
Points

From the grand cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, this tight, mineral-driven Champagne is bone dry. The ripe fruit softens the shock of the acidity but this fine bottling does need to a calm down and open up. Drink this textured bottling from 2021. —R.V.

Wine Enthusiast - December 2020

91
Points

“Firm and well-spiced, with crunchy Asian pear, lemon pith, fresh ginger and blanched almond notes set on a lacy mousse. A bracing yet balanced style, with a lip-smacking finish. Try this with food to help the overall expression. Disgorged April 2014. Drink now through 2020.”

Wine Spectator - August 2015

91
Points

Distinctly lactic nose cedes to a generous oaky palate with a fresh honeycomb character suitably in line with tension and acidity. Creamy, vinous but not lacking for structure and voluptuousness - serious, long and luminous.

Decanter - February 2017

91
Points

Mouthwatering acidity focuses this racy blanc de blancs with flavors of lemon parfait, baked quince and pickled ginger while a hint of salted almond lingers on the refined finish. Disgorged april 2014. drink now through 2021.– A.N.

Wine Spectator - November 2017

91
Points

“Slightly evolved nose with hints of praline and hazelnut, but also displaying fresh citrus, chalk and mineral nuances. Mouth filling palate a creamy texture, elegant fizz and fresh acidity. Very much in balance with some exotic notes de finish.”

Decanter - January 2016

91
Points

“A lip-smacking version, with vivid acidity, balanced and softened on the palate by the finely detailed, creamy mousse. Offers bright flavors of lemon curd, tangy yellow plum, biscotti and fresh ginger. Firm finish. Disgorged January 2014.”

Wine Spectator - January 2014

Appellation

Champagne AOC

grape varieties

100% Chardonnay

Sizes

750ml

technical details
  • ABV: 12%
  • Closure: Cork
winemaker

Marie Doyard

Le Mesnil Experience Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV Le Mesnil Experience Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV

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