Hitting the Mark
2008 Mignon Brut Nature
"This is outstanding, and it will only get better with time in the cellar." -Peter Liem
We've been keeping a close eye on Mignon since the first time we tasted the wines two years ago. Their potential was immediately obvious.
After tasting Christophe Mignon's 2008 Brut Nature many times, we're really convinced that he nailed the vintage. When we opened a bottle a few weeks ago, it became clear that the 2008 Brut Nature is starting to enter "wow" territory. There's little doubt that this is only the beginning of the story.
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| Christophe Mignon |
Mignon has quickly become one of our favorite Pinot Meunier specialists. Few Meuniers hit the levels of finesse, subtlety and finely etched detail that Mignon does. For us, Mignon's work with Meunier forms a holy trinity with Prevost and Chartogne-Taillet's Les Barres.
He's situated in the heart of Meunier country, the villages of Le Breuil and Festigny in the Vallée de la Marne. Mignon sources his vintage wine from 40+ year old vineyards in both villages. As quoted by Peter Liem, Christophe Mignon says, "The wines of Festigny are a little fruitier than those of Le Breuil... Le Breuil has a little more acidity, giving more structure, and it has a little less ripeness."
What results is a beautifully harmonious melding of energetic chalky minerality, floral notes tinged with mandarin and an impactful nuanced mid-palate. Mignon is known for working incredibly hard in the vineyard. It certainly shows in the 2008's fascinating combination of intensity, quiet complexity and lifted finesse. The delivery is coolly precise.
2008 is one of our absolute favorite vintages. From a quality perspective, it's right there with 1996 and 2002, while nervier, less ripe and more sleekly mineral. The easy comparison is 1988. Mignon's 2008 is beautifully pure with an amazing drive and length.
This is just a stunning example of Meunier. If you're not familiar with Mignon, the 2008 is a perfect introduction. If you know these wines already, then you don't want to miss the 2008.
To order, please email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits