Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2012

Disgorged in February 2018 with five grams per liter dosage, the 2012 Extra Brut Grand Vintage Rosé bursts with expressive aromas of cherries, red berries, peaches and marzipan. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a similarly broad and fleshy profile to its white counterpart, but with more phenolic structure from the 13% still Pinot Noir in the blend, which lends it a seemingly drier, chalkier finish even though the two cuvées saw the same dosage. The more-concentrated regular Extra Brut has the edge over the Rosé, but this is a creditable effort.

A fruity and earth rosé with sliced cooked strawberries and fruit tea. Full body. More like a light red. Flavorful finish. Drink now.

Made from a blend of 42% Pinot Noir, of which 13% was vinified red, 35% Chardonnay and 23% Pinot Meunier and aged for five years before release, this opens with a generously rich nose spelling toasted scone and strawberry compote, immediately present and seductive with the merest hint of smoke. The palate is juicy, there is a suggestion of plump, ripe fruit, something cherryish and generous. The foam is lively, and gives away an edge of the slightest apple pip bitterness that sets an accent amidst the fruit. This is fresh but rounded, lively and sprightly with some more of that apple pip edginess.