J.B Héry: Vintage 2002 Brut Nature

J.B Héry: Vintage 2002 Brut Nature

The Cuvée

Champagne J.B Héry is based in Châlons-en-Champagne. The Millésime 2002 is a pure vintage champagne, Chardonnay-dominated (90 percent), complemented by 10 percent Pinot Noir. The grapes come from Grand-Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Aging took place in the traditional chalk cellars (Crayères), and the wine is bottled entirely without dosage, as a Brut Nature (0 g/l).

After many years of aging, it shows a wonderfully mature aromatic profile: candied citrus fruits, ripe apple, nutty notes, and a fine brioche character. Alongside that, there's the typical, slightly saline chalk minerality of the Grand-Cru vineyards, present but elegantly integrated.

My Tastings

This time I used my good old Gabriel-Glas in the standard version, a glass I know well and enjoy. It suited this champagne perfectly.

After all these years, the champagne itself shows a wonderfully mature aromatic profile: candied citrus fruits, a bit of ripe apple, nutty notes, and that fine brioche character that comes with a mature vintage. On top of that, there's the typical chalky note of the Grand-Cru vineyards, present but not overly dominant.

A lovely example of how exciting mature vintage champagnes can be, especially when they come entirely without dosage. Nothing stands in the way, the vintage and the Terroir speak for themselves. Compared side by side with the noticeably younger Signature Blanc de Blancs from the same house, the difference in depth is very clear.

Details

Producer J.B Héry
Cuvée Millésime 2002 Brut Nature
Vintage 2002
Category Brut Nature
Grape Varieties Chardonnay (90 %), Pinot Noir (10 %)
Dosage 0 g/l (Brut Nature)
Terroir Grand Cru, Côte des Blancs (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger)
Style Vintage champagne, mature, grower champagne
Highlights candied citrus fruits, ripe apple, nutty notes, brioche, chalk minerality
Pairs with Cheese

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