Ratings & Tasting Notes:
93 points Wine Enthusiast The famous Belle Epoque bottle design is based on a 1902 bottle of Emile Gallé. Today’s blend of this prestige cuvée is a fine balance between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crisp and fresh in a ripe, mature aperitif style. It is lively but complex, showing some toasty flavors to complement the rich, ripe green fruit tastes. Great balance and elegace. (12/2004)
92 points Wine Spectator Reticent aromas and flavors hinting at vanilla pastry, peach, citrus and ginger, all beautifully integrated with its firm structure and supple texture. A roasted, nutty element emerges on the finish. Drink now through 2010 (11/2004)
Cult Wines International Notes:
Perrier-Jouët is one of the most prestigious Champagne houses, founded in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët. The house quickly became famous for its refined, Chardonnay-dominant style and its deep connection to the arts. This reached a creative pinnacle in 1902 when Art Nouveau master Émile Gallé designed the iconic anemone motif, though it was not until 1964 that the house rediscovered the design and launched “Belle Epoque” (known as “Fleur” in some markets) as their prestige cuvée. This bottling is sourced from the finest Grand Cru vineyards, particularly in Cramant and Avize, and is celebrated for its floral elegance and silk-like texture. By 1996, the house was firmly established as a favorite of royalty and high society, representing a perfect marriage of viticultural excellence and aesthetic beauty.
The 1996 vintage is widely regarded as one of the most legendary and unique years in the history of Champagne, defined by an extraordinary balance of “high sugar and high acid.” The growing season began with a dry winter followed by a sunny, stable spring that ensured a healthy flowering. The summer was characterized by a dry, continental climate with warm days and cool nights, which allowed the grapes to reach a high level of ripeness while maintaining a razor-sharp acidity that is rare in such a concentrated year. This “dual-high” profile provided the 1996 Fleur with a massive structural backbone and unparalleled aging potential. The harvest yielded fruit of exceptional health and intensity, resulting in a Champagne that is simultaneously opulent and bracingly fresh, a hallmark vintage that continues to be a benchmark for collectors and connoisseurs today.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar since purchase.
Condition:
Small rip on the front corner of the gift box as shown. Otherwise, outstanding condition.
Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold. Photographs have been taken from different angles in order to exhibit the exact item condition.
