Bruno Paillard Assemblage Extra Brut 2012

Bruno Paillard was initially a broker in the grape trade but started his own Champagne house by selling his Jaguar car. Today he is one of the most influential people in Champagne. He bought the car back many years ago and now keeps it in his garage as a memento. A CHALLENGING YEAR While 2012 is remembered for its warm summer, it was not an easy year: spring frosts and hail storms reduced yields, so did difficult flowering, but warm and even hot August weather saved the vintage and brought forth “exceptional” quality. Tasting Notes Winemaker Notes: A straw gold color and very fine bubbles. Its delicate hue comes from to the use of a high percentage of Chardonnay and of the first pressing only. The first aromas reveal the citrus character of the Chardonnay, such as lime and grapefruits. Red fruit aromas then come out, including redcurrant, raspberry, morello cherry - typical Pinot Noir. On leaving the wine to open up, candied fruits, even exotic fruits of Pinot Meunier appear with aromas of banana and pineapple. The palate is lively. The nose is confirmed by the first taste, including citrus, almonds, toasted bread and "brioche"... but also redcurrant jelly, and dark fruits like cherry, fig or blackberry. The palate is full, quite long, with a very clean finish. Elegant, but not without complexity, this wine perfectly illustrates what is "the house style." Blend: 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Meunier