Delamotte - Blanc de Blanc 2014 (750ml)
Its pale gold color, glinting with emerald, illuminates the delicate necklace of bubbles rising to the disc's surface in the glass. On the nose, the wine's noble origins are unmistakable in the energy of its bouquet: pure, direct, and deep, a strong personality. Its lively attack, palate freshness, and mouth-watering minerality are a delight. But it doesn't end there. The gourmet will appreciate the supple fruit and notes of brioche that explode in a dreamy finish.
Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points
A blend of the six Grand Cru villages of the Cote de Blancs, with 6.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2014 Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut is fresh and precise, with aromas of vibrant green apple, pleasant reduction with flint, and delicate smoke, citrus blossoms, and wet stone. The transition to the palate is seamless and linear, with crisp and crunchy green fruit, and is electric with lime candy, a refined mousse, and a chalky texture.
James Suckling: 94 Points
Really bright and energetic, with sliced apples and lemons and seashells on the nose. Some flint, too. Full-bodied, yet very tight and composed, with racy phenolics and bright acidity. Very long and vivid. Sort of edgy and energetic. Bright blanc de blancs.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
Delamotte's just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn't as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.
Decanter: 94 Points
Offering up an elegant yet bright bouquet, this 2014 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs opens in the glass with orchard fruits, verbena, lemon zest, pastry, and slightly reductive aromas. Chiselled and perfectly balanced, the palate is lively and intense, and expresses clearly the fruit and the straightforward nature of the 2014 vintage.
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2014 Blanc de Blancs is seriously impressive. Ample in feel, Delamotte is especially rich in 2014, and yet there is plenty of freshness to balance things out. This is an especially savory style of Delamotte, and one that works so well. Dried lemon peel, pastry, almond, dried herbs, and chamomile open in a beautifuly translucent Blanc des Blancs that marries power and finesse. I can't wait to see how it ages.
Burghound: 93 Points
An elegant, airy and complex nose offers up plenty of that lovely toasty/yeasty character that adds interest to the pretty aromas of pear, apple and just sliced citrus. There is equally good depth to the delicious, intense and rich medium-bodied flavors that are supported by a firm and moderately fine mousse, all wrapped in a lingering, sappy and nicely dry finish. This is really quite classy and despite being relatively young, this is already drinking well. With that said, I would be inclined to cellar it for another 3 to 5 years first.
Wine Enthusiast: 93 Points
From the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger on the Côte des Blancs, this well-textured Champagne shows a crisp apple freshness underlined by strong minerality. At seven years past vintage, the wine is just starting to lose its initial freshness and develop attractive toasty elements.
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
A finely-meshed, linear Champagne, with racy acidity and a citrusy overtone driving flavors of poached apricot, biscuit, candied lemon peel and a toasty hint of brioche. Fine and creamy.
