Grande Sendrée 2004 from the house of Drappier is a rare cuvee of incomparable power and expression with complex notes of ripe fruits and spices.
It derives its name from the parcel “La Grande Sendrée » which was covered in ash (cinders) after the terrible fire in 1838 that ravaged the village of Urville, where Drappier are established.
It’s a cuvee which is only produced in the very greatest of years, and which concentrates all the skills of this renowned house, using grapes from the oldest vines in the best vineyards of Drappier’s domain.
It is a marriage of 55% Pinot Noir and 45 % Chardonnay, for a faultless balance between finesse and power. A partial fermentation in oak casks contributes breadth to La Grande Sendrée 2004 which then ages for a minimum of 5 years in the chalky caves of this champagne house in a stable environment and ideal temperature.
Opening on notes of white fleshed fruits and dried fruits, the nose gains in complexity after aeration, adding bready aromas with ripe pear and white peach, enriched with a touch of mandarin and licorice.
Densely mouth-filling and rich this most suave and delicately wrought of cuvees combines structure and sophistication.
The long resonating finish ends on a lightly spicy note.
This is a connoisseur’s champagne, which will complement a cocktail dinner or a gastronomic meal.
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