Moet & Chandon hosted a Grand Vintage Dinner a few days ago to introduce their 2004, 1992 and 1975 vintages. Before I set off on the evening I should mention that it truly is great to see Moet Hennessy celebrate both their newly launched Indian made sparkling wine Chandon and their Champagne portfolio simultaneously.
I’ve always said that I’m happiest at dinnertime. This dinner in particular certainly made me very very happy and the copious amounts of Champagne I drank shamelessly had nothing to do with it.
We started with their Non Vintage before getting into the three vintages 04, 92 and 75 with dinner. Each fantastic, each with their own individual characteristics and I found it very interesting to compare all four of them together.
The Champagnes got more complex as the vintages got older, my personal favourite of the evening would probably be the 1992 which was somewhat mid way between the comparatively youthful 2004 and the more complex, nuttier 1975.
What caught me by surprise was the fantastic menu for the evening and the almost perfection with which the three vintages were paired with each of the courses. The 1975 also went really well with dessert; a great example of just how versatile Champagne can be when it comes to food pairing.
A thunderous round of applause to the teams at Moet & the Chefs at the Four Seasons for creating an extraordinary wine and food driven pleasure experience. All we need now is for them to do this with Veuve Clicquot !
The three vintages will be available in India in tiny quantities so you may just never get your hands on them but if you do, feel free to invite me to share that bottle of 92.
Nikhil Agarwal
Sommelier & Director, All Things Nice
Tasting notes:
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 2004
A graceful palate with a light airy structure: straightforward yet complex, with a sleek, pure savour leading into a long, langourously rich finish. A light, lively, supple structure with mineral overtones.
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 1992
In the mouth the flavour is rich, warm and creamy, underlain by a delicately astringent structure. The impression of fullness and harmony linger. The finish is vivid and fresh with a subtle spiciness along with lingering notes of vanilla and candied citrus.
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 1975 Format Magnum
On the tongue the taste is vinous yet distinguished and, in the end, has a classical elegance with a certain uprightness. The warm, fleshy richness is underlain by a well-integrated, polished structure with rich notes of roasted nuts. The finish is firm and remarkably refined.
