The Grand Cru village of Bouzy in Montagne de Reims can claim some of the best Pinot Noir in the region as its own, although small amounts of Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay are grown as well. The village of Bouzy sits in a slight dip that protects the cultivated land from harsh winds, which also allows for slightly warmer temperatures. These conditions, along with timely sur lie aging, create a full-bodied wine with richness, bold concentration of fruit and luscious viscosity. The village of Bouzy, where most of Clouet’s fruit is located, is best known for its tantalizing minerality derived from the immense depth of its chalky subsoil; this minerality is crucial to balance the richness in his wines. The Clouet’s 8-hectare property is situated on the coveted mid-slopes, which enjoys perfect sun exposure, soil and drainage. The result is a pristine, full-bodied and perfectly balanced Champagne.

The Clouets were once the official printers to Louis XV’s Royal Court at Versailles, hence the beauty of this bottle’s historic label. Jean-François Clouet enjoys a family lineage in Bouzy that reaches back for centuries and he still resides in the family’s 17th century home of his birth. True to family legacy, Clouet respectfully draws from tradition and time-honored techniques of the past while embracing modern technology that will advance the quality of his wines. As mentioned above, the 1911 is crafted from all Pinot Noir reserve wines from serious vintages that are all a decade old by now. The 50% share from 2002 is incredible all around, the 25% from 2003 is the rich and opulent vintage and the 25% from 2004 is perfectly concentrated with high acid. The sum is greater than its parts with this blend, delivering absolutely superb structure. There is also an enchanting aged champagne note to the the wine. After being bottled, the 1911 is aged sur lie in bottle for an impressive six years before it receives a low 6-grams/liter dosage upon release.