Champagne The Rothschild Rare Vintage 2010 75cl

The 2010 Rare Vintage from Barons de Rothschild is a stunning Champagne right out of the gate. Citrus, floral and mineral notes literally explode out of the glass in a vibrant, wonderfully deep vintage Champagne that beautifully expresses the character of Chardonnay from the Côtes de Blancs. The 2010 is a blend of fruit from Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, all Grand Cru villages. It was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak and then saw relatively long élevage of around ten months prior to being bottled in July 2011. Dosage was around 4 grams per liter. Production is just over 6,000 bottles, which is tiny for the region. The 2010 Rare Vintage in an especially vinous Champagne that is also a perfect example of a trend I have written about over these last few years, and that is large houses quietly making wines that expose the more adventurous style often seen in the most progressive of the grower domaines. (Originally published in August 2020)

A lacy Champagne, offering a core of salted almond, melon and kumquat flavors, backed by bright, lemony acidity. Lithe and refreshing, with oyster shell and ground ginger notes playing on the finish.