2014 Champagne Delamotte Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger Champagne
After a mild autumn and winter, the vines budded very early. The weather in spring wasmagnificent, with record-breaking sunshine and drought. Favourable weather in early Juneproved perfect for flowering. At the same time, it was so dry, everyone was desperate for rain.Then, rain it did! The weather went from one extreme to the other throughout the entire summer: abundantrain and August temperatures that could only be described as ‘autumnal’. We had to wait untilSeptember for a return to warm, sunny weather – and crucially, it was absolutely dry. In short,the ideal conditions for the grapes to ripen. The chardonnay grapes flourished, gaining power right up to harvest, which began on 11thSeptember for the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs. Spared any incident of pests ordisease that had developed here and there in the Champagne region, our chardonnays wereharvested in pristine condition. They also presented exceptionally high bunch weights – over150 grams – resulting in a comfortable yield, the ripeness balanced by fine acidity. Howeverdisconcerting the weather during the 2014 season, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2014 has a fine future ahea
James Suckling
Really bright and energetic, with sliced apples and lemons and seashells on the nose. Some flint, too. Full-bodied, yet very tight and composed, with racy phenolics and bright acidity. Very long and vivid. Sort of edgy and energetic. Bright blanc de blancs. Drink now.
Jeb Dunnuck
Delamotte's just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn't as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.
Wine Advocate
Delamotte's just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn't as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.
Wine Spectator
A finely-meshed, linear Champagne, with racy acidity and a citrusy overtone driving flavors of poached apricot, biscuit, candied lemon peel and a toasty hint of brioche. Fine and creamy. Drink now through 2026.