Purple Palate

'Rare' defines the vagaries and unique conditions that is Champagne. Only produced in exceptional years, each an expression of that vintage's unique personality. There have only been 7 vintages released over the past three decades and each are pinpoint examples of their year. 1999 was a vintage affected by violent hailstorms between May and September, and while there were good ripeness levels in the grapes, low levels of acidity made the wines powerful but forward in the palate. This is a fabulous wine that intoxicates with wonderful aromatics that draw you into the glass. Wonderful concentration and depth all the while maintaining stylistic elegance. The blend is chiefly of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. What sets the wine apart is that the Chardonnay does not come from the Cote des Blancs but from the Montagne de Reims, which is mainly famous for Pinot Noir. This regionality brings a profound minerality and purity to the blend. There is also a small component from Montgueux (the Montrachet of Champagne). - DD