Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 1982

26.2.2006:

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé Brut 1982 Champagne

Pale pink. The cork was worrysome: it was soaked through and it broke when trying to open it. But we got it out and there was a promising amount of fizz and no signs of damage to the wine. In fact the nose was amazing: mature, of course, with a prominent red Burgundy-like vegetality, ripe red apple, earth, mushrooms but also much vibrant fruit and even a hint of minerals. The mousse was quite perfect in both size and intensity. The palate was vibrantly fruity but with fine and soft acidity, much earthy and vegetal elements. This was more fleshy than elegant - though by no means was this inelegant. The aftertaste was amazingly long, perfectly harmonious between the fruit and acidity. There are some mature elements to this, but it doesn't seem to be even nearing the end of its life. Outstanding. Old Champagne rocks!