Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs "Le Mesnil" Grand cru 1999

Bruno Paillard unveils a Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru of remarkable elegance

The estate

Founded in Reims in 1981, Bruno Paillard is one of the youngest Champagne houses. With uncompromising terroir selection, exclusive use of first pressings, blends crafted from a vast collection of reserve wines, and an aging period twice as long as that required by the appellation’s specifications, the Bruno Paillard range reflects a constant pursuit of excellence and a desire to create a “very personal style.”

The vineyard

The Bruno Paillard House oversees an exceptional vineyard painstakingly assembled, spanning 32 hectares of vines across 15 crus, 12 of which are classified as “Grands Crus.” The vineyard brings together the outstanding terroirs of Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Cumières, Verzenay, as well as the exceptional Cru des Riceys located in the south of Champagne.

The wine

This Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru 1999 is crafted from a single year (1999) and a single terroir located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The grapes come from two parcels, "Les Mournoirs" and "Pudepeigne." Over 40 years old, these old vines face east/southeast and are planted on gentle slopes with a deep chalk subsoil.

The vintage

1999 began with a mild, wet winter marked by a rare and violent storm in December 1998. Bud break was early, and the mild spring minimized frost risk. A hailstorm in May affected some areas of Champagne, but not Le Mesnil. Summer conditions were hot and dry. Light rain in early September helped achieve perfect ripeness. The harvested grapes were of outstanding quality, and the vineyard’s health was impeccable.

Vinification and aging

Produced exclusively in magnum, this 1999 vintage champagne from Bruno Paillard underwent an exceptional 15-year aging period in the house cellars and was disgorged in June 2014.

Blend

100% Chardonnay.

Characteristics and tasting advice for Bruno Paillard’s Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru 1999

Tasting

The exceptional maturity of this vintage, combined with balanced acidity, gives this champagne finesse, elegance, suppleness, and a deliciously long finish.

Cellaring

This outstanding champagne can be cellared for many years, stored at 10 or 11°C, horizontally and away from light.