2012 Pierre Morlet Brut Millésimé 1er Cru

The 2012 Champagne Premier Cru Millésime Brut is ripe and vinous, composed of 65% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir. It is another powerful wine from the range with assertive and pure black fruit aromas of amarena cherry liqueur, attractive smokiness, black plum, and crushed flowers. It is dry and has persistent mineral tension, with nice concentration throughout. It is a ripe wine but has the most pronounced chalky mineral texture and mouthwatering salinity, which takes this to the next level in the range. Drink 2024-2042. Based in Avenay Val d’Or in the Montagne de Reims, this domaine is a fourth-generation family-owned and operated estate based on Pinot Noir. They currently work with 16 hectares exclusively of Premier and Grand Crus sites. Fermentation occurs in small stainles -steel tanks and used French oak 600-liter demi-muids with light toast levels, a practice which Luc Morlet brought back to the house in 1992. All the wines undergo malolactic fermentation to add richness and roundness to the mouthfeel. The three sons of Eric Morlet are all active participants in the company. Nicholas Morlet helms winemaking, while Paulin Morlet oversees the vineyards and winery operations. Luc Morlet, of the famed eponymous winery in St. Helena in Napa, and his father also continue to have a hand in the house. They produce four wines in the range, consisting of the Grande Reserve, Millésime, Blanc de Blancs, and the Grande Reserve Rosé. Annual production is between 10,000 and 14,000 cases.