The colour is medium gold. The mousse is fine and persistent. The bouquet is elegant, with floral and citrus elements framed by delicate bread-dough nuances. On the palate, it is balanced and refined. Crisp acidity underpins the wine, giving lift and tension. Ripe citrus fruit, green apple, pear, and chalky minerality can be perceived, along with yeast notes. The texture is creamy. The aftertaste is very long.
This Blanc de Blancs grower Champagne from the Jean Michel estate is made from a 30-year-old parcel of Chardonnay. Founded in 1847 in the village of Moussy, just 6 km south of Épernay, the estate has remained in the hands of the Michel family for five generations. It is a classic récoltant-manipulant domaine, meaning they grow their own grapes and produce their own Champagne entirely from estate fruit.
Unlike large houses that blend broadly to maintain consistency, Jean Michel works with individual plots, often vinifying each parcel separately to preserve its unique identity. This philosophy is precisely what gives rise to single-parcel cuvées such as Les Mulottes.
Nowadays, Jean Michel has transitioned fully to organic cultivation, with certified organic vineyards and a long-term commitment to ecological balance.
I received this bottle as a gift. In online shops across Europe, it sells between 65 and 70 EUR.
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Grapes: Chardonnay
Type: Sparkling
Vintage: 2018
Producer: Jean Michel
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5