Description
Duval-Leroy’s prestige cuvée, Femme de Champagne, from the outstanding 2008 vintage.
Femme de Champagne, first made in 1990, is the family house’s tête de cuvée, and the 2008 is 74% Grand Cru Chardonnay from Chouilly, Avize, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger with 26% Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Aÿ, about 6% of it vinified in oak. The 2008 season was cool, wet and gloomy until the eve of harvest, when dry, sunny, windy days and cold nights arrived in mid-September, concentrating the grapes while keeping acidity unusually high. After long ageing on its lees, the wine pairs creamy texture with that bright vintage tension. Antonio Galloni of Vinous (95 points) praises its fine mousse and deep chalkiness, calling it “wonderful and so lasting, with a long umami echo,” and recommends drinking it from 2025 to 2040. Tyson Stelzer of The Champagne Guide (98 points) rates it “one of the greatest vintages of Femme.” 12.0% ABV, 750ml.
