We tasted: Guy Michel & Fils 1996

Introducing a small house producer, a recoltant manipulant (the house uses its own vines and facilities to create the wine) from Pierry (Vallée de la Marne, very close to Épernay). The house was established in 1959 by Guy Michel, even if the family had already had a large tradition in champagne producing, since 1847. Now it owns 22 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier vines. The philosophy behind the success of the house is creating old and very old vintages, enlarging as long as possible the cellar time for its champagne. Indeed, this 1996 vintage is also a wine that was kept on lies for more than 20 years in their cellars (degorgement tardif).

We had a beautiful tasting, enjoying a really interesting wine that revealed a robust body which is characteristic for such a vinous style with strong aromas and potent flavors. Visually it impresses with deep yellow color and oily texture on the glass. On the nose, we found oxidized notes, honey, raisins, ginger, dried bread, some hay and herbs. Full bodied on the palate, we enjoyed its great mousse, fine bubbles and excellent balance. Mature notes of yellow apple, plums and pears are mixing together with toasty notes. Medium to long aftertaste. A champagne that impresses with both elegance and power, and which is perfectly balanced. This cuvée should be drunk now, at plenitude, as it reached its maturity.