NV NV JM Sélèque Quintette 5 Terroris Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

Vinified entirely in barrels—around 10% of which were new—and disgorged in August 2024 with a dosage of two grams per liter, the latest release of Sélèque’s NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Quintette is based on the 2021 vintage. It is complemented by 20% reserve wines aged in foudres and drawn from a solera established in 2012. The nose reveals notes of lemon zest and pear mingling with Madagascar vanilla and cedarwood oil with a hint of nutmeg. On the palate, it is racy and incisive, offering a stylistic counterpoint to the 2022-based NV cuvées. Sourced from old-vine parcels—primarily in Vertus, Épernay, Pierry and Dizy—it is medium-bodied and marked by abundant chalky extract and bright acidity, culminating in a long, saline, subtly oak-inflected finish.

Entirely Chardonnay from the 2020 harvest blended with wine from their solera in wood casks, the NV Champagne Quintette 5 Terroirs is a bright straw yellow color in the glass and is a touch reductive on opening, eventually revealing notes of lifted flint, toasted baguette, salted lemon, and fresh apples. Zesty and energetic, the palate is very refreshing and bright, with a clean and refined chalky texture, a spritely, coiled mousse, and good length on the finish. It’s an impressive wine from this team to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years.

The NV Champagne Quintette Chardonnay 5 Terroirs Extra Brut displays a medium golden yellow hue and comes from vines that are 45 years old on average. The base is 2021, with a blend from Solera in wood casks. The nose is savory and inviting, with a spiced bouquet that reveals aromas of anise, orange peel, toast, and peach stone fruit. Medium-bodied, it expands across the palate, with a pillowy mousse and a savory, saline finish with a lovely brothiness. This has a wonderful backbone. Drink 2025-2040.