"Long one of my favorite
small producers" -Eric Asimov
2008 José Dhondt
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru MVV
"The José Dhondt 'Mes Vieilles Vignes' is an excellent wine in the making, and perhaps the finest example I have tasted of this lovely cuvée since the 2002." -John Gilman
When the José Dhondt's 2002 MVV hit the U.S. in 2006, it took the grower Champagne category by storm.
The brisk, mineral-laden and super-clear style really struck a chord with Champagne fanatics. It was a wine that we couldn't keep on the shelves. Everyone who tasted the 02 MVV seemed to order 6 or 12 more.
Along with this came critics like Antonio Galloni, John Gilman and Eric Asimov, who loudly sung the praises of Dhondt's Champagnes.
As John Gilman makes clear above, Dhondt's 2008 is a vintage that easily competes with the legendary 2002. The 2008 vintage is just a stunning vintage.
What makes us love the 2008 is the way it combines a beautifully high acid structure with good ripeness and concentration. 2002 and 1996 were great vintages, but 2008's brightness and punch deliver a combination that we haven't seen since the 1988 vintage.
Beyond just being one of the two best vintages of the decade, 2008 played perfectly into Dhondt's style. The wine delivers chalky minerality with bright notes of citrus and stone fruits.
The zingy, high-acid style plays off the concentration that the old vines give to the wines. Dhondt's MVV comes from a tiny vineyard in the Grand Cru of Oger, from vines that were planted in 1949.
Dhondt's MVVs tend to show well in their youth and yet, have no trouble aging. There are few vintage Champagnes at this price point that deliver this level of quality. In short: stock up.
To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Ian McFadden
Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits