Moët & Chandon : Grand Vintage Collection 2004

Tasting Notes and Recommendations for Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 2004

Tasting

Appearance
This Champagne reveals a luminous straw-gold hue, enhanced by delicate green highlights. The effervescence stands out with a caress of exceptionally fine bubbles.

Nose
Rich and beautifully complex, the bouquet first releases aromas of white fruits such as peach and pear, mingled with notes of citrus and tropical fruits like pineapple and green banana. It then opens up with floral and herbaceous nuances, finally revealing more evolved and indulgent touches of brown sugar, marzipan and gentle spices.

Palate
The palate is seductive, with a creamy texture and perfectly balanced structure. It unfolds with lively vibrancy, carried by tangy notes of rhubarb and subtly minted grapefruit, stretching elegantly towards a wonderfully fresh finish.

Food and wine pairings

This Champagne pairs beautifully with delicate dishes and seafood. It will enhance grilled prawns, rich-fleshed fish such as salmon, or eel-based dishes.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate the complexity of this 2004 vintage, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 6 and 8°C, ideally in a white wine glass or a tulip-shaped glass to allow its aromas to fully express themselves.

Other characteristics

This wine stands out with a very low dosage of 5 g/l, placing it among sparkling wines with a dry profile, thereby highlighting its natural tension and vibrancy.

A collector's Champagne by Moët & Chandon combining elegance and richness

The estate

Founded in 1743 in Épernay by Claude Moët, Moët & Chandon is a historic and iconic figure of the Champagne region. Part of the LVMH group since 1987, its current owner, the House enjoys worldwide renown. Under the oenological direction of cellar master Benoît Gouez, the estate perpetuates a recognisable style that is both fruity and lively. Always at the forefront of innovation, the property is deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, notably incorporating artificial intelligence and robotics to preserve its terroirs.

The vineyard

This cuvée comes from a rigorous selection of the finest grapes sourced from the House's vast vineyard in Champagne. Spanning more than 1,100 hectares and comprising 370 plots, a large part of which is classified as Grand Cru, this exceptional terroir benefits from modern agronomic practices aimed at optimising soil fertility and health.

The vintage

The 2004 year stood out for its generally very favourable climatic conditions. With no excess heat or acidity, this growing cycle produced sound yields and optimal ripeness, offering an ideal balance for the crafting of great wines.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking begins with fermentation in vats, followed by the traditional second fermentation in bottle. The distinctive feature of this cuvée lies in its extended aging. It benefits from a very long maturation on lees in the estate's cellars, followed by a resting period of at least six months after disgorgement, thereby encouraging the development of a remarkable patina and aromatic complexity.

Grape varieties

This blend brings together the three flagship grape varieties of the appellation: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.