2005 Drappier Grande Sendree Rose

Sweet dried cherries, autumn leaves, spices and licorice are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2005 Brut Rose Grande Sendree. An expressive, vinous wine with lovely burnished tonality, the 2005 impresses for its complexity and nuanced, delicate personality. The Pinot is especially evident here, especially in a bouquet that is distinctly Burgundian. As good as the 2005 is today, my sense is that it will develop beautifully over the coming years. Readers who enjoy more tertiary nuances in Champagne should cellar the 2005 for another few years. This is a great showing from 2005. Disgorgement date: August 2012. I was very impressed with the way these wines from Drappier have evolved over the last year. A number of wines were much more impressive than they have ever been. Drappier lists disgorgement dates (month and date) as the last four numbers of the lot numbers etched into the bottles themselves.

The 2005 Brut Rosé Grande Sendrée is an imposing wine loaded with fruit. I am very curious to see how this might develop over the next 5-9 years. Sweet red berries, autumn leaves, flowers and tobacco are some of the notes that frame the finish. This is a striking wine that adds attractive elements of vinosity and richness to flesh out the energetic structure. Disgorged January 2011.