Xmas in July - Champagne Tasting 18th July '23

On the 18th of July we tasted Champagne’s that are sold from Colmant in Franschhoek.

These wines were donated by Glynis Prosser for our Christmas in July, which forms part of our 40th Birthday celebration’s! Glynis also cooked us a stunning meal, which followed the tasting. Glynis also sourced notes about the wines and gave them to the tasters that attended. All these efforts were kindly donated to Vats by Glynis as her 40th Birthday present to Vats. Thanks Glynis, what a stunning Birthday present to all of us. The following is the tasting, the comments of the tasters and the scores.

1. Les Mesnil Brut Blanc de Blancs NV (100% Chardonnay, from Le Mesnil sur Oger)

Colour- light green, with a golden tint, and fine mousse. Nose- grassy, lemon and citrus, with beautiful brioche. Palate- soft but crisp acidity, lemon, brioche, bready, citrus lingering to the finish.

Score- 16.90.

2. Mailly Les Classiques Brut Reserve NV (75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, from 17 regions within the Grand Cru’s of Champagne)

Colour- light green, with a golden tint, and fine mousse. Nose- citrus, yeasty, brioche. Palate- crisp acidity, but soft, citrus, brioche, elegant, green apple.

Score- 17.00.

3. Tribault Schloesser Vallee de Brunet Blanc de Chardonnay Extra Brut NV (100% Chardonnay, from Romery, Fleury la Rivière, Cormoyeux)

Colour- light green, with a golden tint, and fine mousse. Nose- citrus, honey, green apple, savoury. Palate- crisp acidity, savoury, almost salty, pineapple, honey, citrus, with apples that linger to the finish.

Score- 17.30 (tied 24th with the Louisvale Chavant 2022 and the Stellenrust Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2021).

4. Tribault Schloesser 8 Terriors Origin Brut NV (50% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, from eight terroirs from the Marne valley and Montagne de Reims)

Colour- light pink to green, with a golden tint, and fine mousse. Nose- citrus, slight oiliness, brioche. Palate- crisp acidity, brioche, mineral, citrus which lingers to the finish. Tasters felt that something was lacking?

Score- 16.20.

5. Tribault Schloesser 8 Terriors Brut Rose 2021 (50% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, from eight terroirs from the Marne valley and Montagne de Reims)

Colour- light reddish pink, and fine mousse. Nose- slightly meaty, citrus, red berry, savoury. Palate- crisp acidity, red berries and cherries, nutty, citrus.

Score- 16.90.

6. Tribault Schloesser 8 Terriors Millesime 2021 (50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, from eight terroirs from the Marne valley and Montagne de Reims)

Colour- light green, with a golden tint, and fine mousse. Nose- smoky, brioche, honey, meaty, slightly oily. Palate- crisp acidity, honey comb, citrus, brioche, honey and citrus linger to the finish, fine and well made!

Score- 17.40 (20th best wine for 2023).

Simply stunning to taste Champagne from the Grand Cru regions, thanks Glynis! The Tribault Schloesser Champagnes are from a family run vineyards that has been making Champagne for four generations. Thanks kindly Glynis for enabling us to taste these lovely wines!