Pommery Cuvee Louise Champagne

Cuvee Louise 2006 is the prestige vintage champagne of Maison Pommery, a wine of absolute purity, first created in 1979 as a tribute to the House's pioneering founder, Louise Pommery.

It is drawn exclusively from three of Champagne's most illustrious Grands Crus: Avize and Cramant for their crystalline Chardonnay, and Ay for its noble Pinot Noir. The 2006 vintage blends roughly 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir, matured at length for over a decade in the cool chalk cellars beneath Reims.

• The nose opens slowly and with remarkable finesse, floral notes of lime blossom, hawthorn and chamomile give way to peach and pear, before a buttery, gently spiced character reveals vanilla and toasted hazelnut.
• On the palate the attack is bold yet supremely smooth, framed by the chalky minerality of these great terroirs. Citrus zest, mirabelle plum and a whisper of exotic fruit carry through to a long, creamy finish lifted by bergamot.

Serve well chilled at 8–10°C in a tulip glass to capture its aromatics. Superb with oysters and shellfish, lobster, delicate white fish and sushi, or with poultry and creamy soft cheeses.

Drinking wonderfully now, it will continue to reward careful cellaring over the coming years.