Vilmart's Grand Cellier Œnothèque T13 is a version of the Grand Cellier that has been aged longer in the company's cellars, to give the wine even greater complexity.
This is the Grand Cellier, blended from the 2012 harvest with reserve wines from the 2010 and 2011 vintages.
Laurent Champs, who represents the 4th generation, makes this cuvée by blending 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. These grapes come exclusively from the 1er Cru terroir of Rilly-la-Montagne.
The wines are then vinified and aged in oak barrels for 10 months. This ageing process allows the wood to give the wines a patina, taming the ardour of the Rilly-la-Montagne grapes. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out, to preserve the wine's freshness.
Cuvée Grand Cellier Œnothèque T13 (T13 for tirage 2013) is pale gold in color with fine bubbles.
The nose is rich and elegant, with hints of wild strawberry, mango and exotic wood. After a few minutes' aeration, notes of fresh apricot and bergamot unfold.
On the palate, the attack first reveals citrus notes, then the mid-palate reveals notes of yellow fruit. Justly balanced, the palate finishes with a persistent finish of yellow lemon zest.
The finish is clean, slightly mineral and long.
