After making a fortune in the wool industry, Mr Pommery was in fragile health in 1856 and decided to retire. However, destiny had a twist, Madame Pommery fell pregnant at 38 and needing to provide for Louise, Mr Pommery moved into the champagne business that was booming. Two years later he died; the rest is history: the young widow Pommery took over the champagne business and led it on to success and glory. Madam Pommery died in 1890 and for the next hundred years it was owned by a succession of people. In 1991 LVMH purchased Pommery, selling it in 2002 to Vranken Monopole Group while keeping hold of much of the highly sort after Pommery portfolio of Grand Cru vineyards. Today the Pommery Estate in Reims stretches to 50 hectares of glorious gardens, tourists love the underground world some 18 kms of cellars with art displays in a large section of the cellars Madam Pommery had constructed in 1868.

Vinification: The pressing is carried out in the traditional square press located close to the vines. In order to ensure the absolute purity of the juices, only 1,800 litres of juice, issued from the first two extractions which are at the heart of the cuvee, are retained for every marc of 4,000 kg instead of the 2,550 litres authorised by the regulations. Pommery is the only Maison in Champagne to impose standards of this kind on itself.

Weather: The 2003 vintage was one of pre-eminence: a year like no other, defined by extremes. The vineyard was first touched by severe spring frosts that left a lasting mark on the Champagne region before being struck with an unparalleled heatwave. As a result, the crop was perfectly ripe and healthy but left a particularly small harvest: this was the most precocious since 1822.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Chardonnay: Avize, Cramant | Pinot Noir: Aÿ inc Red wine from Bouzy
Grape Varieties: 62% Chardonnay & 33% Pinot Noir & 5% Red Wine
Disgorgement: 14th January 2023
Lees Ageing: 19 Years
Dosage: 5 g/l
Production: 2,000 Bottles
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: The nose instantly captures one with its soft, fragrant and stunningly toasty nose. Lovely coffee, gunpowder, apricot and wild strawberry tones mixed in then most elegant of ways. The palate is supple, lacey and caressing with the soft mousse contributing to the gentle yet fresh and expressive character. Stunningly light and invigoratingly tense wine. At a beautiful age to drink even if surprisingly youthful. Vivacious and complex and still on an ascent. - Tasted by Essi Avellan MW