Joseph Perrier Cuvée Joséphine 2014 Champagne

Founded in 1825, Champagne Joseph Perrier has been owned and run by the same family since 1888. Current director Benjamin Fourmon represents the 6th generation. Joseph Perrier owns 21 hectares of vineyards on the right bank of the River Marne, around Hautvillers and Cumières, two villages classed 93% in the 'échelle des crus'. They are mostly planted with Pinot Noir but include 2 hectares of Chardonnay.

The cellars stretch over three kilometres and date back to the Gallo-Roman period. The chosen name for these cuvées is no accident, nor any false claim to grandeur.

'Cuvée Royale' alludes to the historic relationship between Joseph Perrier and Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, as the royals' Champagne of choice - probably the highest honour any Champagne house can hope to earn. All the wines are made with a keen focus on freshness and purity, a theme which runs right through the range and really shows its worth in the vintage cuvées which show impressive energy and poise and remarkable ageing potential.

Grapes: 60% Chardonnay 40% Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Sacy, Cumières, Bergères-lès-Vertus and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Dosage 5 g/l. In a bottle designed by artist Jordane Saget.

The prestige cuvee of Joseph Perrier with the 2014 vintage being the 175th anniversary of Josephine Perrier's marriage which inspired the production of the cuvée. Only 5000 numbered bottles produced.

The palate begins on juicy ripe pears and other white fruits, followed by delicately dusted notes of lily of the valley, complemented by spicy and peppery flavors. A subtle, bewitching, complex palate with a very good length.