ColletAÿ, Grande Vallée

Producer profile
TyS Collet is one of three brands of Champagne's longest-standing and 3rd largest cooperative. Jacquart and Montaudon are the other two labels of Coopérative Générale des Vignerons that sources fruit from 162 villages. "These are generally long-aged cuvées of fruit integrity, though at times lacking polish." 94 points for Millésime 2008. ToS 86 "underrated co-op" was formed in 1921 and today comprises 607 members and 650 hectares. "The vintage wines are biscuity-rich solid performers."

Tasting notes

Millésime 2004. No disgorgement date. Art deco inspired bottle styling with a transparent label. Placid tight cork. Very pretty brown plaque de muselet with prominently printed vintage year. Savory aromas bringing associations with brown bread, tabbouleh, olives, dolmas, and sunflower oil. Something salty and sweet in the smell, very appealing, meandering, unique, immensely appetizing and intriguing. The taste is in sharp contrast to the smell: this is piercingly dry. Vigorous mousse. Purchased at Molly's Spirits in summer 2020 for $75. ⭐⭐