5g/L dosage. Disgorged October 2019. The first vintage release since 2008, this blend of six Chardonnay grands crus has spent almost seven years on lees in the cellar. This will age gracefully for at least 10 years, but is delicious and surprisingly accessible now, creamy, rich and concentrated with an almost exotic white flower character, and a hint of ginger spice. Would be a heavenly match for Asian seared salmon, or chicken with morels or truffles.

A beautiful and rich blanc de blancs with cooked-apple and lemon aromas and flavors and just the right amount of lemon tart and pie crust. Full-bodied. Layered and flavorful. Drink now.

Vintage follows on from the highly successful 2008. Next vintage will be 2014 to be released end of 2021. Six grands crus: Oger, Le Mesnil, Avize, Cramant, Oiry and Chouilly (the last two newish and included only from 2008 but apparently this did not increase volume of production). This blend was Didier Depond's dream. Alain (ex chef de cave) said Chouilly grapes not perfect for Delamotte. Perhaps the only house to blend all six of these Côte des Blancs grands crus. Aged seven years on lees. Didier says it can age for ages. And recommends with chicken as well as fish. Dosage 5 g/l. Quite deep greenish gold. Tight bead. Relatively rich, mature nose. Again, as with the NV Blanc de Blancs, the dosage is perceptible – not sickly but this champagne is definitely sweeter than many I taste today. Friendly, delicately textured champagne. Not desperately persistent. But a very satisfactory food partner with sashimi. Nice spine. (JR)