While Delphine Cazals's Clos is a stellar example of a single varietal, single vineyard Champagne, her "Cuvee Vive" showcases the blender's art. The current Cuvee Vive is based on the classically cool 2013 vintage. In addition to a small dose from the Clos in Oger, it is composed of three choice Le Mesnil-sur-Oger parcels: "Champ de Tir" (Shooting Field), "Le puit des Gaumes" and the famed "Chetillons". Given the pedigree of these sites, most winemakers would understandably produce a trio of very pricy single vineyard Champagnes. Instead, we are left with a top-shelf Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs that is priced way under the market. Note also that in recent years Delphine has lowered the dosage levels on Cuvee Vive which really emphasizes the brightness of the fruit.
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "Disgorged in March 2019 with three grams per liter dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cuvée Vive unfurls in the glass with scents of wet stones, iodine, lemon oil, crisp green apple and brioche. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a ripe core of fruit, racy acids and a penetratingly chalky finish. This finely balanced bottling is showing very well."
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "Disgorged in March 2019 with three grams per liter dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cuvée Vive unfurls in the glass with scents of wet stones, iodine, lemon oil, crisp green apple and brioche. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a ripe core of fruit, racy acids and a penetratingly chalky finish. This finely balanced bottling is showing very well."
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