Benoit Dehu NV Brut Nature 'Initiation'

Champagne Benôit Dehu (2020) Brut Nature 'Initiation' - Vallée de la Marne, France
Reg $105 Soul Wine Price $89.25

I will be the first to admit, I did not know this producer, but Jason did. So, when a new distributor brought them to the Seattle market, Jason encouraged me to look at them. Of course I was intrigued, because Jason knows and loves Champagne. And then I got to taste them (both Mariela and Jason were off that day). I can still taste them! I found them extraordinary. I know that they are not inexpensive, but I do believe they are not overpriced.

Dehu’s wines are low/zero dosage, fermented and age in oak barrels made from a forest near their property. To a wine they showed gentle bubbles and intensity of flavor balanced by defined minerality. They taste alive. Given that only 4000 bottles in total are produced there is not a lot available.

77% Pinot Meunier, 23 % Pinot Noir Fermented and aged 10 months in lees in 228L oak. Disgorged 7/4/23

Beautifully balanced with lots of minerality a hint of bread dough and delightful spice. Tons of character and will develop further.