Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose 2013

On the nose: Hints of small crisp red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant and wild strawberry) slowly open up to aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry). The complexity is intensely sensual (musk, rose) and spicy (pink pepper and nutmeg).

On the palate: Ample and succulent, with hints of candied fruit (apricots, dates and prunes). The rich texture intensifies the sensation of fullness which lingers in a delicious finale tinged with vanilla and licorice.

51% Pinot Noir (of which 27% red wine), 28% Chardonnay, 21% Pinot Meunier. Moet & Chandon, originally Moet & Cie, was founded in 1743 by Claude Moet in Epernay, France. His grandson, Jean-Remy Moet, took over in 1792 and the company attracted a loyal international following through his friendship with Napoleon Bonaparte. Napolean had visited Moet's estates numerous times and legend has it that Napoleon and his troops invented the tradition of sabering open bottles of Moet to celebrate victory.