2014 Delamotte Champagne Blanc de Blancs

Small house based Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Chardonnay from the six Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs. Stainless steel with full MLF. A classic, savoury toasted sourdough richness signals some stylishness here, with lime and lemon syrup held in sharp focus by some sparky, reductive gunpowder aromas and charred grapefruit. The palate sits on a cushion of ground nut and white butter softness, but it's moving with a zippy, pressing sort of energy that is very true to 2014. Some call this a mini-Salon on the basis that it reputedly receives the grapes Salon rejects in some years; it's really a rather different style that stands on its own two feet.

Delamotte's just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn't as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.

Offering up an elegant yet bright bouquet, this 2014 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs opens in the glass with orchard fruits, verbena, lemon zest, pastry, and slightly reductive aromas. Chiselled and perfectly balanced, the palate is lively and intense, and expresses clearly the fruit and the straightforward nature of the 2014 vintage. Should age well for a decade or so.

The 2014 Blanc de Blancs is seriously impressive. Ample in feel, Delamotte is especially rich in 2014, and yet there is plenty of freshness to balance things out. This is an especially savory style for Delamotte, and one that works so well. Dried lemon peel, pastry, almond, dried herbs and chamomile open in a beautifully translucent Blanc des Blancs that marries power and finesse. I can’t wait to see how it ages.

A pretty Blanc de Blancs with aromas of white grapefruit, lemon pith, dried honeysuckle and white peach. Silky and creamy with bright acidity and an elegant finish.

From the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger on the Côte des Blancs, this well-textured Champagne shows a crisp apple freshness underlined by strong minerality. At seven years past vintage, the wine is just starting to lose its initial freshness and develop attractive toasty elements.

(100% chardonnay, SRP $132, disgorged January 2021). An elegant, airy and complex nose offers up plenty of that lovely toasty/yeasty character that adds interest to the pretty aromas of pear, apple and just sliced citrus. There is equally good depth to the delicious, intense and rich medium-bodied flavors that are supported by a firm and moderately fine mousse, all wrapped in a lingering, sappy and nicely dry finish. This is really quite classy and despite being relatively young, this is already drinking well. With that said, I would be inclined to cellar it for another 3 to 5 years first.

94P+: Linear and focused, the bright straw-colored 2014 Champagne Blanc De Blancs is lifted with mineral aromas of chalky earth and flinty notes followed by green apple, powdery floral aromas, and lime candy. Bright and electric on the palate, its long, fresh spine of acidity propels the wine forward, with mouthwatering saline and a mineral-tinged backbone. A wine that commands attention, it has a fine mousse and is focused and long on the palate, with vibrant citrus. It’s going to have significant longevity over the coming 20 years. It saw 6.5 gram per liter dosage.

94P+: Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2014 is an assemblage of six Grand Cru terroir that was disgorged October 2022 and finished with a seven gram per liter dosage. Light burnished gold with a pinpoint, vibrant bead, the 2014 flaunts alluring aromas of lemon confit, poached yellow apple, white flowers, and brioche with hints of white pepper. Medium-bodied with a textured, open-knit palate of plush orchard fruit and racy acid vibrancy, it has a long, mineral finish.