2004 Tarlant La Vigne d'Or Blanc de Meuniers

The 2004 Brut Nature Vigne d’Or, 100% Pinot Meunier vinified with no skin contact, is rich and sumptuous to the core. Tiny yields resulted in an unusually ripe, almost flamboyant Champagne. Candied lemon, honey, butter, apple tart and sweet spices are all pushed forward. There is no shortage of intensity, although at times, the 2004 comes across as a bit rustic. Disgorged August 2016.

The 2004 Vigne d'Or is 100% Pinot Meunier vinified 'white', which is to say with no skin contact. A wine of notable depth, the 2004 is also a touch forward and oxidative in style. Coffee, licorice, mint, leather and spices meld around a core of dried fruit. Here, the flavors are a bit burnished and showing their age. I would prefer to drink the 2004 sooner rather than later. Disgorged: November 2015.

The 2004 Brut Nature La Vigne d'Or bristles with energy, tension and pure class. Almonds, white flowers, mint, pear and white pepper are all beautifully delineated throughout. There is an element of crystalline purity and mineral-laced cut in the 2004 that is extremely appealing. La Vigne d'Or emerges from 50 year-old Pinot Meunier vines in the Pierre de Bellevue lieu-dit in Oeuilly. Disgorged December 20, 2014.