Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2013

The bouquet is quite fruit-driven (peach and pear) and elegantly floral (spring flowers and lemon tree blossoms), but there is also some autolytic complexity that adds a subtle grace note of hazelnut. With aeration, the nose takes on an added dimension. The texture in the mouth is juicy, moderately dense with very fine bubbles and beautifully balanced acidity. Notes of menthol, anise and white fruits add to the impression of freshness and vivacity. This is a well-structured, energetic Champagne with a long finish, but it has charm as well, making it perfect to serve as an aperitif. Disgorged: spring 2020. Dosage: 8g/L. Drinking Window 2021 - 2028.

This vintage of the iconic brand, with its flowery Belle Epoque bottle, is ready to be popped. The high dosage has transformed into mature toastiness, while ripe white fruits still give freshness. 

Perrier-Jouët's newly released 2013 Brut Belle Epoque is a giving, demonstrative wine that bursts from the glass with scents of mirabelle plum, confit citrus, buttery pastry and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and charming, it's seamless and elegant, with a pinpoint mousse and a fleshy core of fruit that's amplified by enough dosage to be noticeable. A touch finer-boned than the similarly successful 2012, it constitutes another fine effort from this house.