Once upon a time, there was an exquisite small village in Champagne, huddled around its church, situated on a hillside and surrounded by some of the most celebrated wines: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The Clos du Mesnil has outlived the centuries. Untouched since 1698 in its original size (1.85 hecatre) blessed wit a micro-climate created by its protetction by teh wall and the village, the Clos du Mesnil and its exceptional “terroir” have withstood the rest of time.

300th Anniversary Celebration limited edition wooden case. Vintage 1989.

The 1989 Clos du Mesnil, from a warmer year, makes for a fascinating contrast to the cool inward 1988. It is a bigger, fatter wine that caresses the palate with layers of expansive, generous fruit. Sweet scents of caramel, hazelnuts and honey add complexity to the fruit. Despite its burnished, textured fruit, the 1989 remains light on its feet and superbly well-balanced but it is at, or close to, peak. To put things in perspective, the 1989 was harvested at the beginning of September – the 7th and 8th to be exact – while the 1988 was harvested between September 30th and October 2nd.

by Antonio Galloni, Robert Parker, July 2011