Antonio Galloni’s 2nd take on Jacquesson confirms excellence
We can’t help it, can we? Champagne always looms a little larger as we enter spring. Fair to say there hasn’t been a heck of a lot to celebrate in 2020 – but you get your kicks when you can, hey?
We already had a hot 742 review under our belt from Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media before the wine landed in Australia. Galloni lamented not being able to make it back to Champagne this season, but he did do a wrap of some of the favourites he’d been able to retaste at home. Jacquesson was one producer took a second look at – and he fell in love with Cuvée No. 742all over again!
NV Champagne Jacquesson Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742 $125
The NV Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742 (2014 base) has really opened up since I last tasted it about a year ago. The Pinot is so expressive in the No. 742, a Champagne built on texture and resonance. Dried pear, dried flowers, plum and spice fill out the wine’s frame effortlessly, but the 742 truly shines with a bit of air, which seems to accent its freshness. Readers looking for a fine grower Champagne to drink now will find much to like. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Disgorged January 2019. Dosage is 1.5 grams per litre.
94 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media August 2020