NV Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee 742 Extra Brut MAGNUM

Value: $200

94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous; 93+ Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 93 Points Wine Spectator; 93 Points James Suckling

FROM THE WINERY

BLEND: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir

WINEMAKING: 2014, our harvest from Aÿ, Dizy & Hautvillers (59%), and from Avize & Oiry (41%). Winter was rainy and exceptionally mild, spring was hot and very dry, whilst July and August were cool and very wet. A hot, dry and sunny September saved the year. The balance of alcohol and acidity was excellent and the health of the grapes was generally good. However, after picking, rigorous sorting of some parcels affected by small sources of acid rot was necessary. As a result, the Chardonnays were superb, and the Meuniers, but above all the Pinot Noirs, held their own. The blend is completed with the addition of some reserve wines.

94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742, based on the 2014 vintage, is a gorgeous wine. In this release, the Cuvée seems especially marked by Pinot in both its flavor profile and texture. Dried pear, hazelnut, mint, chamomile and dried flowers all grace this rich, beautifully resonant Champagne from Jacquesson. Best of all, the 742 will drink well with minimal cellaring. The 700-series Champagnes are often superb; the 742 is an especially fine edition. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Dosage is 1.5 grams per liter."

93+ Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Based on the 2014 vintage and disgorged with 1.5 grams per liter dosage in July 2018, Jacquesson's NV Extra Brut Cuvée No. 742 continues the house's pioneering series of cuvées that employ reserve wines not in pursuit of a constant "house style" but merely with the aim of complementing each base vintage to maximize its potential. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of walnut oil, dried white flowers, saffron, citrus oil and crisp orchard fruit, along with a delicate top note of fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, sapid and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. I found it irresistible."

93 points Wine Spectator: "A creamy and harmonious version, with a fragrant skein of spice that unwinds through flavors of raspberry tart, lemon pastry cream, lime blossom and candied ginger. Lightly mouthwatering on the lingering, spiced finish. Disgorged July 2018. Drink now through 2024."

93 Points James Suckling: "This is packed with interest and has a savory edge with a big, grilled-almond and toasty feel to the nose, together with some fresh, crushed hazelnuts and green apples. The palate has a very bold and punchy feel with super crisp flavors and a big surge of acid-drenched power. Finishes bracingly dry. Based on the 2014 vintage. Drink now.