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RARE ‘OUTSTANDING’ RATING BY DECANTER TASTING PANEL

“Earlier this year Decanter magazine held a blind tasting of 100 Grower Champagnes, in which only FOUR wines scored 95 points (or above) and were designated as ‘Outstanding’ by the panel of three experts. Today we’re thrilled to be one of the few places on the West Coast to have one of those limited-production wines in store! All three Decanter experts scored the Nicolas Maillart Champagne Premier Cru Brut Platine at 95 points, and what’s remarkable is that we have this terrific Premier Cru Champagne for under $39! ‘Grower’ Champagnes (wines that are made by the vignerons who tend the vineyards) are gaining in popularity, as they represent a combination of excellent value, and a great expression of ‘terroir.’ The big houses focus on a consistent style across vintages, whereas the ‘growers’ will have more variation and be more adventurous.

Nicolas Maillart is a true artisan who pays attention to every detail – from the vineyard to every step in the winemaking process. In keeping with the region’s typicity, his vineyards contain a high proportion of Pinot Noir as well as some Chardonnay; the Pinot Noir providing power and substance to complement the finesse of the Chardonnay. The family vineyard has been tended with care since the 18th century, and more recently, they’ve been certified as ‘HVE’ (Haute Valeur Environnementale or High Environmental Value) by the French Ministry of Agriculture, meaning that they follow rigorous sustainable farming practices. We love to support independent, family-owned enterprises (that’s what we are, too!) and when a superb product is a tremendous value like this, we love bringing it to your attention! Enjoy!” – Jim Knight, The Wine House

NV Nicolas Maillart Champagne Premier Cru Brut Platine
95 Points Decanter
92 Points Wine Spectator
Release Price: $45
Wine House: $38.99

95 Points Decanter Grower Champagne Panel Tasting
Michael Edwards (95 points): Serious opulence and finesse come from this wine. A perfect example of grower Champagne with a complete finish.

Simon Field MW (95 points):
Fulsome colour and big-boned, this is impressive, the 6 g/l of residual sugar finely knit into a texture of ripe, red-berried fruit and self-evident expertise. Ethereal poise, with just a hint of spice.

Tim Hall (95 points): Immediately vital in the mouth. Very chewy and demanding, serious champagne but pretty exciting. Citrus fruit with complex fruit, and lingering. I like this!

When Nicolas Maillart took over his family's estate in 2003, he overhauled the entire operation in both the vineyards and cellars, eliminating chemical pesticides and herbicides, ploughing his vines, and installing a new press and other vinification equipment. Since then, he has been making refined, richly textured Champagnes such as the Platine non-vintage Brut, a blend based heavily on Pinot Noir. It's high percentage of Reserve wine contributes to its complexity, and a portion of oak-fermented wine increases its breadth and dimension. Drinking Window 2017 - 2026

92 Points Wine Spectator:
“Honeycrisp apple, orchard blossom and spun honey notes are ripe and aromatic in this finely knit Champagne, framed by mouthwatering acidity and a tang of salinity. Creamy, with rich hints of toasted almond and smoke on the lasting finish. Disgorged January 2015. Drink now through 2020.“ - Alison Napjus, December 2015

TECHNICAL NOTES

66% Pinot Noir
23% Chardonnay
11% Pinot Meunier
Disgorged 1/2015

The Platine Brut is exclusively comprised of Grand Cru and Premier Cru grapes primarily grown in Ecueil, as well as Villers Allerand and Bouzy. 51% Reserve wine. Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in barrel for a certain amount of the reserve wines. Aged for an average of two years in bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before release. Dosage: 6 g/liter.

CONTACT US


The Wine House
2311 Cotner Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90064-1877


310.479.3731 or 800.626.9463

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wine@winehouse.com


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