2002 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee

Aromas of brioche, vanilla pod, candied peel, toasted nuts and dried fruits introduce the 2002 Brut Coeur de Cuvée, a broad, full-bodied and vinous wine with a satiny and textural attack, a deep and concentrated core, ripe acids and a gently wood-inflected finish. Fully mature and wide open, now is a great time to open bottles. Robust and muscular, I suspect the more recent vintages will prove longer-lived than this 2002 seems likely to do.

The exuberance of the year comes through in the 2002 Brut Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvee. Explosive and gloriously ripe, the 2002 walks the razors edge of power and subtlety with a level of grace that is utterly remarkable. At the same time, the style is unmistakably Vilmart.

The 2002 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is absolutely stunning. This young, towering Champagne bursts from the glass with layers of mineral-infused fruit, showing fabulous intensity and purity from start to finish. Hints of tropical, opulent fruit are very nicely tempered by the wine's underlying structure. Think Montrachet with bubbles. The Coeur de Cuvée is made from 50 year old vines in Les Blanches Voies Hautes. The blend is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged May 2010.