Champagne Bruno Paillard NPU Extra Brut 2004 (750ml)

Producer: Champagne Bruno Paillard
Vintage: 2004
Varietal: Champagne Blend
Region (Country) : Champagne (France)
Award: 96 pts Decanter
Description The latest vintage in the NPU range to be released, 2004 saw cool spring conditions with a late bud-break, followed by a hot and dry July, a wet August and a warm, dry September. The fruit, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is sourced from six grand cru villages – Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Verzenay, Mailly and Bouzy. This sticks to the classic NPU formula of barrique-maturing the still wines for 10 months before assemblage, ageing the Champagne on its lees for 12 years before disgorgement, and minimal dosage. It’s an intense, incredibly fresh wine with pillowy brioche supporting licks of ripe tangerine and stone fruit. The gentle wood structure is injected with plenty of saline drive, leading to a long, mineral finish. This is drinking superbly now but, judging by the older vintages, this should really show its colours in another three to five years.
Food Pairing: Pork, Rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), Shellfish, Mild and soft cheese