Review: NV Barons de Rothschild Champagne Concordia Brut and Blanc de Blanc
Although the Rothschild family has literally centuries of winemaking history, they only began making Champagne in 2005. Not surprisingly, despite its youthfulness, their Champagne house, Baron de Rothchild, already produces outstanding Champagnes that reveal the family’s deep knowledge of winemaking and commitment to quality. Today we are trying two varieties. Let’s consider each.
NV Barons de Rothschild Champagne Concordia Brut – 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir, 85% of which is drawn from Grand and Premier crus. This Champagne is aged at least 4 years on the lees. The nose shows well integrated notes of yeasty bread, strawberry, and lemon meringue. It actually smells like strawberry shortcake with lemon zest — very enticing. The palate is a bit different, introducing high acidity and starting with lemon custard. Midpalate, some strawberry fruit notes appear along with light minerality. The wine is zesty, dry, and effervescent with lots of delightful small bubbles. The nose on this Champagne is better than the palate, but overall, it comes together well. B+ / $60
NV Barons de Rothschild Champagne Blanc de Blancs – This Champagne is made with 100% chardonnay drawn entirely from Grand and Premier crus and aged a minimum of 4 years on the lees. Poured into the glass, the wine shows ample, tiny bubbles. The Champagne’s lengthy aging appears immediately on the nose which introduces enticing biscuit notes that integrate well with lemon pastry, butter, toasted almond, and fresh pear. The aroma is just delightful, and I kept coming back to enjoy it without even tasting. The palate introduces fresh lemon juice and pear along with bracing acidity. Midpalate brings some butter and smoky almond, as well as minerality. This is a dry Champagne, but it is still rich and fruity. The mouthfeel is silky due to the effusive mousse, and the finish is quite long. Altogether, this is a delightful and distinctive blanc de blancs Champagne. A- / $80
NV Barons de Rothschild Champagne Blanc de Blancs
$80
