1993 Domaine Chandon Vintage Brut

DOMAINE CHANDON – THE SECRET MUSEUM COLLECTION

Domaine Chandon is Australia’s foremost sparkling wine producer. During a conversation on the high costs of sparkling wine production, Chandon’s financial controller, Rob Peebles, let out that a number of wines from the best vintages had been set aside and deliberately “lost”. This smelt too much like a private cache of top wine set aside for Directors - the catch was how to get hold of it! We had a lucky break, Dr. Tony Jordan was in France and winemaker, Wayne Donaldson was recently promoted to run Chandon California. The person left in charge of this “museum” was a financial controller and Peebles’ only passion in life is money. (It’s so easy to deal with people when there are no emotions attached.) A deal was done - on the condition that we had to taste everything first and subject to quality we would proceed. Let us say, we have not been disappointed.

An outstanding aperitif style made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Brilliant pale straw colour, very fine bead and outstanding mousse. The nose is refined, this is a very elegant style and does not yield readily, however, it still has a very distinctive yeast autolysis nose over a citrus and cashew end note. A cleaner leaner palate, hints of citrus over some flor yeast flavours. Very long persistent palate, perfect balance. Cellar 3-5 years. Very limited stocks.