Les Parcelles is sourced entirely from Bouzy, from 22 plots of the Paillard family's sustainably-farmed vines, now averaging 25 years. As noted by the XIII on the label, this is based on the 2013 vintage (80%) along with 201 [Ed: what year?] (14%) and 2004 (6%). A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay (the latter an anomaly in red-wine-centric Bouzy), this spent 4 years on the lees. Chiselled lemon, nougat and meringue leads this tight, energetic and extra brut (2 g/l dosage) Champagne. The palate pulses with energy, drawing green apple, cream, spice along a creamy, lighter palate and through a very lengthy finish. The chalk bedrock is evident through the driving hum of minerality and lingering chalk finish.
Pale gold with plenty of bubbles. Full aromas of toast, fresh bread dough, yeast, lime and green apple. Slightly sweet and hence does not present the acidity of typical Brut champagnes. This is a throwback to an older style of Champagne, with rich and ripe flavours of apple, rhubarb, even blueberries or saskatoons. I tried it over ice, as suggested, but am not yet a convert to that experience. Happily, it is very tasty straight up. Drink any time.
Made from 100% estate grown, 20-year-old Chardonnay on the west side of Okanagan Lake, on a cooler site that sees late afternoon shade. Aged on lees for 36 months. Persistent mousse and a fine stream in the glass with lifted floral and orchard fruit notes before a vibrant citrus palate, a hint of smoke and spice wrapped in fresh acidity before a clean finish.
Light gold in colour with a toasty, apple nose and leesy notes; medium-bodied, dry, very elegant with a lemony, green apple flavour and a long, lingering finish. Just a delight.
Traditional method, made from 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Oliver, Osoyoos and Kelowna. Bottle fermented and aged sur lie for 4 years. Toasty, nutty and lemon notes up front with a persistent, creamy mousse and lively stream of bubbles leading to a well structured palate with vibrant citrus and apple notes wrapped in a well textured, generous mouthfeel through fresh, lingering finish.
Pale straw in colour with a honeyed grapefruit nose; light to medium-bodied, fresh and lively on the palate with lime and grapefruit flavours and an engaging note of bitterness on the finish to give more interest to the wine.
The blend is 70% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir. It spent 47 months on the lees in bottle and 7 months in barrel with no back sweetening. It is fresh and fragrant in the glass with bright apple and cut citrus notes, but also underlying roasted nuts, brioche and toasted vanilla. It has an energetic mousse in the glass with broad flavours of baked apple, tangy lemon and lovely nutty/toasty accents through a crisp and clean finish.