A life without passion is no life at all. This is also how I feel about champagne so when the opportunity arrived to try some 1996 Duval-Leroy I obviously leapt at it. Rebecca at Wineseeker has managed to secure some of the '96 at an outrageously good price so it seemed criminal not to open some over Easter.
1996 as many of you already know was a stonking year for Champagne with wines providing much longevity and finesse making them highly sought after by those who love their bubbles.
The Duval-Leroy did not disappoint, it was glorious! Antique gold in appearance with small sprightly bubbles, the nose is pronounced it entices one in with big rich flavours of mushroom, candied peel, truffle, baked apple and fresh bread.
On the palate the maturity is evident with heady savoury flavours, cashew nuts, honey and mushrooms but there is a lively acidity that keeps things fresh and well structured. The wine still has youthful traits and flavours of lemon, crisp green apples and floral notes. I would be interested in trying this again in a year or so to see how it has developed over time as it still seems to have plenty of life left in it.
Duval-Leroy 1996 was a real treat to drink and a joy to review; for those new to vintage champagne it is an easily accessible example of a well made wine from a very exciting year.
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