PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Champagne Jacquart, a Reims house founded in 1964, makes its Cuvée Alpha only in the best vintages, and always in a Chardonnay-led, long-aged style. The 2010 was a difficult year in Champagne, a vintage with a wet August that was saved by dry conditions in September, so fine wines from it are rare, and this one is an exception. As Roger Voss wrote in Wine Enthusiast: “Vintages from the difficult 2010 harvest are rare, so this wine with its soft texture and smooth fruit is an exception.”
It’s a blend of 60% Chardonnay from Avize and Vertus in the Côte des Blancs and 40% Pinot Noir from Aÿ, Mailly, and Chigny in the Montagne de Reims, all from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. It spent at least seven years on the lees, was dosed at 5 g/L, and rested at least six more months in the cellar before release. The ABV is 12.5%.
The house’s tasting notes describe “toast and roasted coffee notes followed by dried fruit aromas,” displaying “the elegance of a perfectly mature Champagne,” a palate that is “fresh with a sensation of candied citrus fruits,” with “notes of roasted coffee,” and a “long finish with aromas of honey and candied fruits.”
James Suckling scored it 93 points: “The top of the tree at Jacquart and a Champagne that delivers jasmine-like florals with punchy concentrated grapefruit and lemon aromas, and a gentle pastry-like edge. The palate is more focused around the berry and pastry spectrum. An extremely fresh and gently biscuity finish.” Huon Hooke of The Real Review scored it 95, Gilbert & Gaillard 94, and Gault&Millau 93: “Open, simple and well-built around harmony and finesse, this cuvée features a prominent Chardonnay. The fresh, pastry-like nose reveals orchard fruits, honeysuckle and hints of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is characterized by assertive bubbles, an assertive dosage, and an ample, somewhat mineral, chewy finish.” Wine Enthusiast’s Voss found it “already mature, it offers hints of almonds as well as ripe fruits. Ready to drink, it’s rich in the middle and crisp at the end.” Dawn Davies MW of The Whisky Exchange described “ripe orchard fruits and hints of honeysuckle on the nose,” with “notes of shortbread and lemon posset” on the palate. Wine-Searcher’s critic average is 90 across eight reviews. A CellarTracker taster, scoring it 92, advised opening it “30-45 minutes before drinking as it gains over time.”
It’s a mature, fresh, toasty Champagne with the structure of a prestige cuvée and the generosity of a vintage that’s already in its prime. It pairs well with scallops, shellfish, monkfish, roast poultry, and aged Parmesan.
Champagne Jacquart Cuvée Alpha Millésime 2010 is produced by Champagne Jacquart in Reims, Champagne, France, a blend of 60% Chardonnay (Avize, Vertus) and 40% Pinot Noir (Aÿ, Mailly, Chigny) from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. At least seven years on the lees, with at least six months of cellar rest after disgorgement. Brut, dosage 5 g/L, 12.5% ABV, 750ml.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review — 95 Points
Gilbert & Gaillard — 94 Points (June 2016)
James Suckling — 93 Points:
“The top of the tree at Jacquart and a Champagne that delivers jasmine-like florals with punchy concentrated grapefruit and lemon aromas, and a gentle pastry-like edge. The palate is more focused around the berry and pastry spectrum. An extremely fresh and gently biscuity finish.”
Gault&Millau — 93 Points:
“Open, simple and well-built around harmony and finesse, this cuvée features a prominent Chardonnay. The fresh, pastry-like nose reveals orchard fruits, honeysuckle and hints of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is characterized by assertive bubbles, an assertive dosage, and an ample, somewhat mineral, chewy finish.”
Jacquart (tasting notes):
“Nose: Toast and roasted coffee notes followed by dried fruit aromas. Displays the elegance of a perfectly mature Champagne. Palate: Fresh with a sensation of candied citrus fruits. Reveals notes of roasted coffee. Long finish with aromas of honey and candied fruits.”
Nose
Jasmine and honeysuckle, with orchard fruit, vanilla, toast, roasted coffee, brioche, and dried fruit.
Palate
Fresh and complex, with candied citrus, grapefruit, shortbread, lemon posset, almond, and roasted coffee, with fine bubbles and a mineral edge.
Finish
Long, with honey, candied fruit, and a chewy, mineral lift.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Vintage Brut Champagne — Prestige Cuvée |
| Blend | 60% Chardonnay (Avize, Vertus) · 40% Pinot Noir (Aÿ, Mailly, Chigny) |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Aging | At least 7 years on the lees; at least 6 months in cellar after disgorgement |
| Dosage | 5 g/L |
| Producer | Champagne Jacquart — Reims (founded 1964) |
| ABV | 12.5% |
| Critics | Huon Hooke 95 · Gilbert & Gaillard 94 · James Suckling 93 · Gault&Millau 93 · Wine-Searcher avg 90 |
| Style / Identity | A mature, fresh, toasty, Chardonnay-led vintage Champagne from a rare, difficult vintage |
| Aromas & Flavors | Jasmine, grapefruit, candied citrus, brioche, roasted coffee, almond, honey |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve at about 8-10°C in a white wine glass; open 30 to 45 minutes before drinking if you can.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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