Pierre Gimonnet et Fils 'Millesime de Collection Vieilles Vignes de Chardonnay', Champagne, France 2009 1.5L Domaine Durand fresh plums and red berries

fresh plums and red berries with some stones

This is an unusually flamboyant wine with plenty of richness and a bit less in the way of subtlety

There is plenty of vintage 2018 richness

Vilmart remains a reference point for Champagnes that are all about elegance and refinement

With its tannins still well at the fore

Pierre Gimonnet et Fils 'Millesime de Collection Vieilles Vignes de Chardonnay', Champagne, France 2009 1.5L Domaine Durand fresh plums and red berriesVery fresh with bundles of lemon and lime and beautiful chalky character. The low dosage makes it extra brut but that doesnt come across as it has so much fruit and ripeness mixed with lees character that builds up to some light custard layering. This feels young and vibrant with an exciting future. This is a good example showing how good one grape variety can be in a region.