Jacques Selosse Les Carelles NV (750ML)

98 VM / 98 JS / 97 WA

The NV Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Carelles boasts extraordinary power, breadth and sheer richness. Layers of butter, pastry, tropical fruit, spices and smoke literally bursts from the glass as this exotic, heady Champagne struts its stuff. I imagine the Carelles might be too much for some readers, but for those seeking to get to the heart of the Selosse style; here it is. This is a dazzling showing. Antonio Galloni

One of the six lieu-dit cuvées that Selosse works with, this edition is composed of five vintages (2003-2007 consecutively) and was disgorged in April 2014. The Selosse theory here is to mitigate the character of one singular season by blending from multiple vintages, thereby getting a deeper connection to the character of the terroir; he readily references Burgundy as the inspiration for his lieu-dit approach. This has very fragrant and fine citrus with strong, crushed rocky mineral presence as well as fine, light peppery notes; really ethereal. The fruit sits right in the lemon and grapefruit spectrum and smells perfectly ripe. The palate has a strong and elevated arc of lemon and lime flavor. The acidity is superfine and gives way to a super long, focused and precise shape. Light toffee and brulée flavors run across a cashew flavored finish. Full of light and energy, this is a captivating, vivacious Champagne. Ready to drink now, it's all here; or hold for a more savory twist in three or more years. James Suckling

The latest release of Selosse's NV Extra Brut Grand Cru Les Carelles is based on the 2011 vintage and was disgorged in March 2018. From a south-facing, 35% sloping site in Mesnil-sur-Oger, the wine wafts from the glass with a complex bouquet of white flowers, waxy citrus fruit, praline, smoke and walnut oil, delicately framed by a vestigial hint of new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and muscular, with considerable amplitude and structuring dry extract and a strikingly saline, sapid profile, concluding with a long, searingly chalky finish.  - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Note: Scores and reviews for this product are for reference only and may not be for the actual disgorgement dates available.