2008 Marie Courtin Efflorescence Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 1x750ml

Robert Parker 95

The 2008 Extra Brut Efflorescence captures the house style at its finest. Here the cooler vintage brings out considerable tension in the Pinot Noir. The 2008 boasts serious energy, precision and lift all the way through to the intensely taut, saline-infused finish. Today, minerality, acidity and structure are very much present, while the Pinot is felt mostly in the wine’s weight and texture rather than in the aromas and flavors. I imagine the 2008 will develop more complexity in bottle, even though it will always be distinguished for its razor-like focus. The 2008 Efflorescence is one of the most distinctive Champagnes I tasted this year. This is another great showing from Dominique Morneau. Disgorged May 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Proprietress Dominique Morneau embodies all of the qualities of the artisan approach in Champagne. Hers are some of the most adventurous, cutting edges Champagnes readers will come across. Biodynamic farming, the use of natural yeasts, and low or no dosage are some of the elements that inform these wines. Above all else, the Marie-Courtin Champagnes are made with meticulously grown fruit that makes the above possible. Readers who want to explore the outer boundaries of Champagne should pay close attention to this tiny, emerging estate in the Cote des Bars, a previously under the radar part of the region that continues to produced a bevy of compelling wines. A Thomas Calder Selection, imported by: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404, Galaxy Wine Company, Portland, (OR); tel. (503) 248-9493, Cream Wine Company, Chicago, (IL); tel. (312) 421-1900 [01/05/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018