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B-21 Top Recommendation
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"[Jacquesson] is poised to continue producing Champagnes with exceptional freshness and crystalline textures. The range is impressively consistent, and each cuvée beautifully reflects the soul and the distinct terroirs of this house based in Dizy." - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
Consistency is indeed the name of the game at this long-time fan favorite of B-21. Jacquesson's star rose to new heights under the lengthy ownership of the Chiquet brothers, and since its acquisition by the François Pinault juggernaut (owner of Chateau Latour, Clos de Tart, and Napa iconic Eisele Vineyard) in 2022, there have been no signs that anything is any different.
The newly arrived Cuvée 747 is exemplary of this flagship bottling in many ways, but the higher inclusion of Pinot Noir in this 2019-base rendition gives it a notably more intense personality than in previous years. Earning 96 points from James Suckling, it's "a structured and creamy-textured Jacquesson NV with a very fine-bubble texture and lovely polish ... medium- to full-bodied with length and sophistication." Showing the genius of the Chiquet brothers in transparent clarity, the 747 is "an edition that closely reflects the character of the vintage, marked by its tension and phenolic complexity" according to Yohan Castaing, and given the tension, textural depth, and structural foundation from the increased presence of the Pinot Noir, this is set for a wonderful evolution in the cellar over the next several years.
Not to be overlooked, we still have a small amount of the luxurious 746. Based on the warm, solar vintage of 2018, it's "plush with showy red fruit that shimmers amid a vibrant acid energy that brings loads of freshness to the long finish." The 746 will provide a fascinating juxtaposition to the more linear, stately 747, so you can have repeated enjoyment comparing the two side by side for years to come. |
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Based on the generous 2018 vintage, the 746 fills the glass with a pale pink nuclear explosion of fine bubbles forming columns of visible freshness. A blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, it is perfumed and succulent with slightly oxidized notes of ripe red apple mixed in with lemon confit, rose water, chalk dust and hints of spice. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush with showy red fruit that shimmers amid a vibrant acid energy that brings loads of freshness to the long finish. Disgorged February 2023 and finished with a two gram per liter dosage. 242,012 bottles, 9,770 magnums and 398 jeroboams were produced.
95 points, Sarah Mayo, Wine Independent (Nov 2023)
Based on the 2018 vintage, which was an early solar ripe vintage, the NV Champagne Cuvée 746 sees two grams per liter of dosage and is about 50% Chardonnay, the rest Pinot Noir and Meunier, and approximately 25% reserve wine. It pours a highly reflective straw hue and is aromatically forward out of the gate, with savory appeal and notes of citrus oil as well as juicy ripe berries. The palate is juicy and inviting, with approachable silky fruit and a fine mousse. It has wonderful balance, with the warmth from the vintage, and immediacy as well as structure that should provide a good bit of longevity over the coming 10-15 years.
94 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2023)
This shows a rich and rather flamboyant character from the heat of 2018, giving a full and flavorful array of brioche and ripe apple, apple tart and dried pineapple. Full and plump with lots of ripe fruit at the end. Mostly chardonnay, the rest pinot. Three years on yeast. Dosage 1.5g/L. Drink now.
93 points, James Suckling (Aug 2024)
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