It has been way too long since the arrival of our last Direct Import parcel of Delamotte's Blanc de Blanc, a true Côte des Blancs classic as well as a long time Wine Staff fave. Delamotte is closely allied with Salon and refers to itself as a "sister house" to that legendary and stratospherically priced Le Mesni-sur-Oger mono-cru. Delamotte has been Salon's neighbor for more than a century and the two firms (which joined forces in 1988) share the vision and talents of Didier Depond who has been managing both Champagne houses since 1997. Also, in vintages when Salon isn't produced, the entire production of Salon's Chardonnay plots is incorporated into Delamotte's multi-vintage Blanc de Blancs. The rest of the blend for this mini masterpiece is composed exclusively of Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes from the famed villages of Cramant, Avize and Oger. The chalky soil, the flora and the sloping aspect of these vineyard sites gives the grapes their exceptional character, delivering delicate, consistent Champagnes. This remarkable fruit pedigree combined with the dedication and savoir-faire of Didier Depond and his production team has made Delamotte one of Champagne's most exciting and reliable multi-vintage Chardonnay Champagnes. It is easily worth every penny of its normal ninety-dollar tariff, but at our Direct Import sale price it is definitely a not to be missed bargain.
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "A graceful Champagne, with fine length and focus. There’s a creamy plushness to the finely detailed mousse, which carries flavors of baked white cherry, poached apricot, candied lemon peel, brioche and ginger as they expand on the palate and through the well-cut, lasting finish. Drink now through 2035. 1,415 cases imported."
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The latest release of Delamotte's NV Brut Blanc de Blancs, the house's emblematic bottling, is once again showing very well, bursting with aromas of citrus zest, freshly baked bread, nougat, crisp stone fruit and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse, it's a seamless, elegant wine that concludes with a flavorful finish." - Willian Kelley
WINE ENTHUSIAST 93 POINTS - "Based on the Côte des Blancs, the Champagne home of Chardonnay, it's logical that this producer should make a fine Blanc de Blancs. This wine has all the attributes, with crisp apple and a mineral texture that is tightly prominent. This is a fine wine, just hinting at toastiness. Drink now." - Roger Voss
JAMES SUCKLING 93 POINTS - "Some beeswax and savory, flinty undertones to the dried citrus fruit aromas. Walnuts, too. It's creamy and flavorful, with sleek bubbles and delicious umami nuances. Delicious finish. Chardonnay from Le Mesnil, Avize and Oger. Based on 2019, with 15% reserve wines from 2018 and 2017. Disgorged 2024. 7 g/L dosage. Drink now."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "A graceful Champagne, with fine length and focus. There’s a creamy plushness to the finely detailed mousse, which carries flavors of baked white cherry, poached apricot, candied lemon peel, brioche and ginger as they expand on the palate and through the well-cut, lasting finish. Drink now through 2035. 1,415 cases imported."
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The latest release of Delamotte's NV Brut Blanc de Blancs, the house's emblematic bottling, is once again showing very well, bursting with aromas of citrus zest, freshly baked bread, nougat, crisp stone fruit and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse, it's a seamless, elegant wine that concludes with a flavorful finish." - Willian Kelley
WINE ENTHUSIAST 93 POINTS - "Based on the Côte des Blancs, the Champagne home of Chardonnay, it's logical that this producer should make a fine Blanc de Blancs. This wine has all the attributes, with crisp apple and a mineral texture that is tightly prominent. This is a fine wine, just hinting at toastiness. Drink now." - Roger Voss
JAMES SUCKLING 93 POINTS - "Some beeswax and savory, flinty undertones to the dried citrus fruit aromas. Walnuts, too. It's creamy and flavorful, with sleek bubbles and delicious umami nuances. Delicious finish. Chardonnay from Le Mesnil, Avize and Oger. Based on 2019, with 15% reserve wines from 2018 and 2017. Disgorged 2024. 7 g/L dosage. Drink now."
