Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs "Le Mesnil" Grand cru 1989

The structure and aromatic richness of an exceptional Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

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 aging periods twice as long as those required by the appellation's specifications, the Bruno Paillard range of champagnes reflects this constant pursuit of excellence and the desire to create a “very personal style.”

The vineyard

The Bruno Paillard House oversees an exceptional vineyard patiently assembled, spanning 32 hectares of vines across 15 crus, 12 of which are classified as “Grands Crus.” The vineyard brings together the prestigious 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 1989 is crafted from a single vintage (1989) and a single terroir in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The grapes come from two plots, "Les Mournoirs" and "Pudepeigne." These old vines, just over 40 years old and facing east/southeast, are planted on gentle slopes with a massive chalk subsoil.

The vintage

The mild conditions in March encouraged early budbreak, followed by late April frosts and cold rains, even snow. More favorable conditions later allowed for the development of secondary buds to replace those destroyed by frost. Stormy spells during flowering led to millerandage. Despite these challenging weather conditions, the grapes, harvested in two passes over nearly seven weeks, displayed great quality and beautiful ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

Produced exclusively in magnum, this 1989 vintage champagne from Bruno Paillard underwent an exceptional 18-year aging on lees at an ambient temperature of 10.5°C. Disgorged in 2008, it was then aged for a further 6 years.

Blend

Chardonnay (100%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru 1989 by Bruno Paillard

Tasting

Color
Brilliant, the color is a beautiful golden hue with green highlights. The effervescence is of great finesse.

Nose
The first nose reveals delicious saline and iodized notes, imparted by the chalky minerality of the chardonnay. As it opens up, the nose becomes more complex, mingling buttery, toasty aromas with candied citrus peel and marzipan.

Palate
With lively freshness on the attack, the palate charms with its subtle balance between structure and power. As the tasting progresses, the palate reveals gourmet, brioche notes leading to a chiselled, beautifully persistent finish.