In 2003, the most famous name in wine turned their attention to the sparkling variety, founding Champagne Barons de Rothschild. The three Rothschild cousins Baron Benjamin, Baron Eric and Baroness Philippine came together with a single ambition: to combine the best terroirs with their know-how and finally add champagne to Rothschild’s huge portfolio of wines. Experiencing incredible early growth, the House managed to secure contracts to an impressive 72 hectares of vineyard, with 50% located in Grand Cru rated Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Premier Cru rated Vertus. With their winery, Chateau Rothschild, and the majority of their vineyards located in the Côte des Blancs, the house-style is Chardonnay focused.

Champagne Barons de Rothschild 2008 is their second vintage release and from a year that was not easy, but ended very strong:

Weather: The cold weather made a particular impression on this year 2008 in Champagne, starting in October and all through December, with temperatures falling below -10°C. After a long winter, the spring brought mild weather as well as steady rains; then in June a radiant sun hinted at beautiful blossoms, followed by a hot and dry July. The beginning of August was accompanied by exceptionally cool and rainy days, followed by a providential sun which covered the entire Champagne region all through mid-September. A roller-coaster year that has produced classic champagnes for most producers.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Côte des Blancs; Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Lees Ageing: 8 years
Disgorged: Spring 2017
Dosage: 6 g/l
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: The champagne reveal some exotic fruit characteristics, so you have the rich apple and citrus notes and a hint of pineapple and white peach. There is just the hint of a toasty brioche character, this will come out much more with age. The palate enjoys a rich lees texture and with the lively mineral freshness a trade mark of 2008. The champagne ends really light, a mix of minerality from the chalk and a hint of salinity. dishes, scallops and shellfish will bring out the best of this champagne.

You can see the Luxury Case of 2008 here