Champagne Mailly

Slightly underwhelming visit this one. Perhaps it was just shown up by the comparison with Vilmart which we had just visited. Considering that this is a famous cooperative from one of the more renowned grand cru villages in Champagne this was more than a little disappointing.

However, having said that, there was nothing wrong with the wines, all of which were competant if not exactly exciting and the final two were both good.

Tasting
1. Brut Reserve NV
75% PN, 25% Chardonnay
Lemon, biscuits and cream. Good acid, well balanced. Good length.

2. L'Air Vintage 2005
75% PN, 25% Chardonnay
Vanilla and citron tart on the nose. Soft and creamy with red fruits on the palate. Fine mousse, high acid. Finish is a little bitter. Otherwise good.

3. Blanc de Noirs
100% PN
Deeper colour, red fruit character, high acid. A little simple.

4. Le Feu Vintage 2000
75%PN, 25% Chardonnay
This was probably my favourite of the tasting. Vanilla, biscuits, cream and yeast autolysis. Also something like pear. Smooth and silky mouthfeel. Great length and classy finish. Well balanced, high acid. Still very fresh but starting to develop some secondary character. Very good.

5. Les Eschansons 1999
75%PN, 25% Chardonnay
This wine was also very good, but for me Le Feu pipped it to the post slightly. Quite a lot of red fruit and also some pear character again. Silky mouthfeel, good length and pleasant finish. Well balanced and would age well, but for the price would rather have the Coeur de Cuvee from Vilmart.