2002 Le Mesnil, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru

Le Mesnil, under the expert guidance of Gilles Marguet (a cousin of our very own and equally gifted Benoit Marguet), go from strength to strength. Long passed are the days when the word Co-operative invited evasion and disdain. Indeed, working with the top Co-ops in the region (Mailly and Le Mesnil ) BBR have two of the most efficient and quality-driven partners imaginable. Add to the mix the superlative 2002 vintage, and one has a very fine wine indeed, afforded extensive lees aging and a little extra time in the bottle before release.

Youthful Chardonnay Champagne par excellence, stone fruit, chalky grip and floral elegance. Less demonstrative and exuberant than the 2001 at a similar age, but destined for greater things.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

The producers of our very own UKC Blanc de blancs have excelled again. One can almost smell the chalk of the Cote, mingled with citrus and white flowers, in a manner reminiscent of premier cru Chablis. The palate displays the graceful touch and subtle power that characterises the 2002 vintage, whilst a core of minerality so typical of Grand Cru village of Mesnil weaves its way through zesty lemon sherbert which broadens out to grapefruit, melon and a hint of honey. Wonderful drinking now and worth keeping some back for a few years.
(Edwin Dublin, London Shop, January 2011)