2012 Collard Picard Archives
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Tasting notes
Collard-Picard’s Cuvée des Archives is one of the estate’s top Champagnes. It comes exclusively from a plot of vines that suffers from fanleaf virus, resulting in especially small grapes – full of natural concentration, acidity and flavour. While these tiny berries are the finest at the estate, production is miniscule. On tasting, this Champagne has a notably rich and complex nose – both floral and autolytic with fresh brioche notes and toffee apple aromas. The palate has great depth and breadth, filling the mouth with ripe red apple, sultana and light caramel. Despite this richness, the wine has a tight bead and vibrant acidity. The silky textural quality further adds complexity to the palate. The concentration is impressive, and the natural richness evident given the balance of the wine with just 2g/l dosage. Amazing stuff.
About the producer
A small, independent grower estate, Collard-Picard farms 16 hectares of vines in the Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs. The resulting Champagnes – notable in particular for the use of oak – are impressive, and a source of excellent value.