Champagne Domaine Bauchet Signature Brut Premier Cru NV

Domaine Bauchet’s Signature cuvée takes a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir from the family’s Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs (Grauves) and Montagne de Reims (Bisseuil), 20% of which are reserve wines to add balance and mouthwatering richness. Aging for 36 months in their cellars, followed by a Brut-level dosage, gives the wine a delicate refinement and lovely integration of flavors that makes this all-around silky and pleasantly refined. The Bauchets say of this wine, “This cuvée epitomizes our House; it is archetypical of our know-how and is a clear proof of our roots in the Champagne region” – and we must adamantly agree! Felicien Bauchet is what we call a true self-starter. He owned just one hectare of vineyard land starting in 1920, while supplementing his income with odd jobs to help support his mother, Juliette, who had worked tirelessly in raising him on her own. Today, the third generation of Bauchets run the family estate, which has grown to an astounding 34 hectares of vineyards covering 7 distinct terroirs across the Côte des Blancs, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Bar. As one of the largest family Grower Champagne estates, their hand-carved cellars and home base remain today in the lovely Montagne de Reims village of Bisseuil. Aromas of toasty brioche, sweet cream, and toasted oats, along with brûléed yellow apples, yarrow flowers, and fluffy marshmallows enter on the nose in a gorgeous, interest-piquing pirouette. Flavors of nutty almonds, quince paste, Red Delicious apples, orange creamsicle, saltwater taffy, and fresh vanilla bean continue the multifaceted and jubilant ride. There’s something like citrus pith on the finish – plus a sort of iron-laden minerality, with oyster shells and watermelon rind that perfectly tone down some of the more opulent characters. This is a richer style of Champagne, perfect for fans of Veuve or Bollinger, with a big, voluptuous texture in the mouth, and a creamy, nutty finish. In a word, delicious! And for the quality of effort and aptitude poured into this bottling, ever worthy of its original price – and certainly of our under $50 mark! We’re making this one of our go-to bottles, no question!