NV Jacquesson et Fils Brut Cuvée 735

The NV Brut Cuvee No. 735 caresses the palate from start to finish. Subtle and layered, the 735 is laced with dried pears, flowers and spices, all of which come together in an attractive, mid-weight style with considerable early appeal. I don’t see the 735 improving much in bottle, but it is absolutely delicious today. The 735 is based on the 2007 vintage, with 28% Reserve wines. The blend is 47% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier. Dosage was 3.5 grams per liter. This bottle was disgorged in October 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. I have to say, I was totally blown away by the wines I tasted with proprietor Jean-Herve Chiquet at Jacquesson this year. I can’t think of another estate in Champagne that has so successfully transformed itself in just a handful of years. Most Champagne fans are familiar with the house’s 700-series NV wines, which remain absolutely delicious, fairly priced and relatively easy to find. Over the last ten years so, Jacquesson has also stepped up their program of single-vineyard wines. Quantities are tiny and prices are high, but these are now some of the most compelling wines in the entire region. If you haven’t tasted the Jacquesson wines lately, you owe it to yourself to do so. Importer: Vintage 59 Imports, Washington DC; tel. (202) 966-9218