Accolades

91 points Wine Spectator, March 2010
"Elegant and refined, with creamy lemon and almond aromas and crisp, complex pear and apple flavors that turn spicy on the finish..."

Philosophy

Chandon is proud to introduce the new shining star of its portfolio 2000 etoile Tête de Cuvée. Like the traditional Champagne houses, Chandon offers 2000 etoile tête de cuvée to represent the best of its wines — literally the “head blend”. This offering embodies the commitment to making the finest sparkling wine in America by showcasing the best fruit of the vintage as a wine that improves with age. To craft this Blanc de Blancs style sparkling wine, Chandon’s winemakers blended the best grapes from the 2000 harvest and allowed the wine to age gracefully for seven years on the lees. Sparkling wines are tight and austere when young, calling for extended sur lees aging to show their potential of rich flavors, layers of complexity and luxuriously creamy mouthfeel. 2000 etoile Tête de Cuvée is ready to enjoy upon release, but will continue to develop for years to come when suitably cellared. The attractive bottle is designed to reflect the elegance of the wine in the bottle, foretelling great expectations.

Tasting Notes

Tiny bubbles elevate an appealing, spicy bouquet of toasted cardamom, star anise and baked apples. With time in the glass, this well-balanced and sophisticated wine evolves to reveal ripe flavors of cherry, honey, chocolate covered toasted hazelnuts and dried fig. Extended time on lees has created both an expansive, rich mouthfeel carrying toffee and caramel flavors and a vibrant, long finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

Savor the spicy, complex flavors of this sparker as an apéritif or pair it with richer dishes like roasted game or a terrine of foie gras.