I love great champagne — especially great champagne in magnum. Champagne Christophe Baron are all zero dosage bottlings that showcase Pinot Meunier. You won’t find Pinot Meunier like this in the world. Very few producers utilize this varietal other than Charles Mignon, as well as MV Krug (usually has a high PM percentage), and Egly-Ouriet. The body and richness from this varietal, as well as earthy tones, really shines through.
Christophe Baron was born into an exceedingly long line of Champagne vignerons, with a history that dates back as far as 1677. He trained in Avize (Champagne) and Beaune before moving to the United States and founding one of North America’s iconic brands, Cayuse Vineyards. Baron’s estate in champagne includes 3 hectares (7.5 acres) surrounding the villages of Charly-sur-Marne, Crouttes-sur-Marne and the hamlet of Porteron, and its vineyard holdings are made up of only very old parcels of Pinot Meunier. These are a big and bold, beautifully textured style of champagne that are best captured in
A Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc glass, or a Riedel tasting glass. They also need a lot of time when opened and I recommend letting them sit for at least 30 minutes prior to consuming. Finally, make sure to not serve these wines cold. They are best served at 42-45 degrees — or warmer!
I love the new 2017 wines which come from a vintage which started brilliantly and then had a series of dry and very hot weather during the summer which led to ripeness issues for some. These are wines that are more on the flamboyant side, that show a gorgeous combination of texture and finesse. And they get much better with a little air. Here are my tasting notes of the glorious new 2017s champagnes by Champagne Christophe Baron and learn more at https://champagnechristophebaron.com/
2017 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Les Hauts Blanches Vignes’ Champagne- Deeply yellow with a gorgeous bouquet, the 2017 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Les Hauts Blanches’ Champagne comes from a very low-yielding crop in this vintage. Bergamot and marzipan tones dance on with honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated with a silky mousse and seamless experience mid-palate. Finishing exceedingly long this is generous, gratifying Pinot Meunier champagne that has some serious cellaring potential. Give this about 30 minutes of air to take in the full range of flavors and aromatics. Drink 2022-2038- 96
2017 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus Du Bois Marie’ Champagne- Just as richly hued, the 2017 ‘Le Dessus Du Bois Marie’ exudes class with baking spice dusted French bread, toasted hazelnuts and brandy soaked pear tones on the nose. Rich and powerful on the mouth, with a soft and inviting mousse, this displays outstanding length and tension, with wet gravel undercurrents. Tightly wound, with serious aging potential, give this at least 30 minutes to unwind prior to consuming. Drink 2022-2038- 95
2017 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ Champagne- The scintillating Brut Nature ‘Les Alouettes’ really needs about an hour of air to fully get going. Once on the nose this takes on bright orchard and citrus fruits that collide with shades of allspice and clove. Plump and round on the mouth, the dazzling minerality really impresses. White peach, ginger dusted pastry crust and salty/stony undercurrents round out this incredible new wine that will cellar well for decades to come. The combination of finesse, range and weight makes this exceedingly hard to put down once opened. Drink 2022-2038- 96