2003 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee

Honey, wild flowers, nectarines and pastry are some of the many nuances that emerge from the 2003 Brut Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvée. A rich, full-bodied wine, the 2003 is very much the product of the torrid vintage. Still, all things considered, the 2003 retains gorgeous freshness to match its juicy, extroverted personality. Hints of succulent tropical fruit flesh out on the generous, expressive finish. Overall, this is a more than solid effort for the year. The Coeur de Cuvée is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir from the Blanches Voies Hautes in Rilly la Montagne. Disgorgement date: September 2011.

Honey, wild flowers, nectarines and pastry are some of the many nuances that emerge from the 2003 Brut Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvee. A rich, full-bodied wine, the 2003 is very much the product of the torrid vintage. Still, all things considered, the 2003 retains gorgeous freshness to match its juicy, extroverted personality. Hints of succulent tropical fruit flesh out on the generous, expressive finish. Overall, this is a more than solid effort for the year. The Coeur de Cuvee is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir from the Blanches Voies Hautes in Rilly la Montagne. Disgorgement date: September 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Laurent Champs crafts impeccable, elegant Champagnes of the highest level. The Vilmart Champagnes are so delicious when they are released I doubt too many are purchased for cellaring, but the reality is that the wines also age exceptionally well. A Terry Theise Selection, imported by Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300

20% Pinot Noir, 80% Chardonnay. Aged 10 months in barriques, some new, though the oak is still in the background. Lovely creamy aroma though all quite tightly held together. Rich, rounded, meaiy texture but not lacking finesse and freshness – fresher than I expected for such a warm vintage.  Though perhaps not one for the very long term. Creamy, biscuity aftertaste with a tiniest hint of orange. (JH)