A Rare Champagne Treat

We have all been at home a lot lately, and sometimes a little treat can be just what we need to make things a little bit better. Luckily for us, we are now starting to see some wine that used to be reserved just for the restaurants become available for us here at K&L. I was able to secure a small lot (everything the importer had left) of 15 cases of Dumenil 1er Cru Brut “By Jany Poret” ($29.99) this week that was previously only available to Los Angeles hot spots by the glass. This is one of the finest values in non-vintage Champagne on the shelf, and it won’t last long at this price.

Champagne Dumenil is located in the 1er cru of Chigny-les-Roses. Their small estate spreads across the premier crus of the north face of the Mountain of Reims, including the villages of Sacy, Ludes, and Rilly-la-Montagne. They have been around since 1874, and like many producers with long histories in Champagne, have the patience to age their Champagne for a long time. This is aged three years on the lees, but benefits from an incredible 60% reserve wines. It is composed of 60% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay.

The Dumenil is a perfect aperitif with great richness as well as refreshment. It has a clean finish, but it is in no way austere, and I was happy to see a grower bucking the trend towards laser-like dryness, and instead going for a more generous style. I loved the crusty toast and lemon bar aromas and flavors in this Champagne and found it’s density and concentration remarkable.

Join me in tipping one or two of these back before they are all gone.

A toast to you!

Gary Westby