The salmon-colored 1999 La Grande Annee Rose is a pretty Champagne that offers terrific balance in its expansive, sweet core of fruit and expressive aromatics. The warm, opulent quality of the vintage comes through in the wine's soft, caressing texture. As outstanding as this wine is, it doesn't quite have the complexity I had hoped for. That may come with further cellaring, only time will tell. The 1999 La Grande Annee Rose is composed of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay, with 7% of still Ay Pinot, all first pressing juice. 82% of the fruit came from grand cru vineyards while 18% came from premier cru sites. The dosage was 7-9 grams and this bottle was disgorged in March 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014.
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