Don't Miss Champagne
Chartogne-Taillet: Cuvée Sainte-Anne
& Heurtebises Blanc de Blancs (2008)
Gorgeously Pure Champagne Values
"Readers who haven't discovered these wines yet owe it to themselves to do so. This is a marvelous collection."
-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
We've been fans of Chartogne-Taillet for many years, but for the past few years the wines have hit a level that's just amazing. These are some of the most exciting Champagnes coming out of Champagne.
Alexandre Chartogne returned to his family's domaine after working with visionary and cult Champagne producer Anselme Selosse. Since his return, the wines have been elevated to another elite level. He's one of the most thoughtful and ambitious growers we know. And it shows in the wines.
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The quality of his entry level non-vintage Sainte-Anne is a testimony to just how good the wines here are. Cuvée Sainte-Anne is the most consistent and best value sub-$40 sparkler that we know of.
Today, we're happy to offer both cuvee Cuvée Sainte-Anneand the Heurtebises Blanc de Blancs from the stunning 2008 vintage for $64.95 per bottle.
Chartogne-Taillet is in the village of Merfy northwest of Rheims. Today, Merfy may not be on the Champagne fanatic's radar, like Ambonnay, but its historical renown is impressive. Peter Liem writes that Merfy "has been renowned for its wines since the Middle Ages." The Taillet family has been making wine in Merfy since 1693 and today, they are the only récoltant-manipulant (grower/producer) in the village.
Alexandre Chartogne has followed the uber-conscientious viticulture that he was introduced to while working at Selosse. This focus on viticulture, along with sensitive winemaking, really shows in the complexity and soil expression of the wines. The entry-level Sainte-Anne is anything but basic. There's a very rare amount of both depth and finesse for this level. The base wine is 2010 vintage.
It's this combination of elegance, complexity and value that's made Cuvée Sainte-Anne our go to for the past couple years. For the price, this is just a shocking value.
The Heurtebises Blanc de Blancs is single vineyard wine that's really, really beautiful in 2008. It's a south facing vineyard of sandy clay over limestone. Heurtebises is a deeply textured Blanc de Blancs boasting plenty of tension and a dynamic minerality.
Along with 2002, 2008 is the best vintage of the decade. Where 2002 is defined by a high level of ripeness and muscle, 2008 is about purity, harmony and an energetic structure. The richness of Heurtebises adds an interesting dimension to the vintage.
The wines that Chartogne-Taillet is turning out these days are beautiful and shouldn't be missed. These are Champagnes that we can't recommend enough.
To order, please email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits
Chartogne-Taillet: Cuvée Sainte-Anne & Heurtebises Blanc de Blancs (2008)
Peter Liem: "This edition of Chartogne’s Sainte-Anne is 60 percent chardonnay and 40 percent pinot noir, with no meunier: the 2010 harvest was a poor one for meunier in this sector, due to the heavy rains in August. This wine is bright and floral, with a supple, refined texture, and while there’s a subtle richness and depth on the attack—undoubtedly aided by the 30 percent of reserve wines in the blend—the finish is lively, dry and precise. It’s expressive and harmonious at 4.5 g/l of dosage, feeling modern without being extreme."
Peter Liem: "This single-vineyard chardonnay was vinified largely in tank, with a small portion in concrete eggs, and the absence of wood seems to highlight the wine’s sleek structure and racy acidity. It shows unusual notes of almond skin and sesame alongside the ripe flavors of pear and citrus, and it finishes with long, finely tuned aromas, feeling vibrant, tense and complete."