Champagne Pommery Cuvee Louise 2005 - Cartier Edition

Winery Background and History

Champagne Pommery, established in 1858 in Reims, France, gained prominence under the leadership of Madame Louise Pommery. Following her husband’s death, she transformed the business by focusing on Champagne production and pioneering the Brut style, catering to the English market’s preference for drier wines. She also commissioned the construction of extensive chalk cellars, enhancing the aging process. Today, Pommery is renowned for its elegant and refined Champagnes, with Cuvée Louise serving as its prestige cuvée, named in honor of Madame Pommery herself.

Producer and Winemaker

Cuvée Louise 2005 was crafted under the guidance of Chef de Cave Thierry Gasco, who upheld Pommery’s commitment to excellence. The wine is a tribute to Madame Pommery, reflecting her vision of producing pure and elegant Champagnes. Gasco’s meticulous approach involved selecting grapes from Grand Cru vineyards and employing traditional methods to create a Champagne that embodies finesse and complexity.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The grapes for Cuvée Louise 2005 were sourced from three Grand Cru vineyards: Avize and Cramant for Chardonnay, and Aÿ for Pinot Noir. These sites are renowned for their chalky soils and favorable microclimates, contributing to the wine’s minerality and elegance. The 2005 vintage experienced a warm and dry growing season, resulting in grapes of exceptional ripeness and balance.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Cuvée Louise 2005 underwent traditional Champagne vinification, with primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. The wine was aged on its lees for over a decade in Pommery’s historic chalk cellars, enhancing its complexity and texture. A low dosage of 5 grams per liter was added before disgorgement, resulting in a Brut style that highlights the wine’s purity and structure.

Tasting Notes

Cuvée Louise 2005 displays a bright golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose reveals floral aromas of lime blossom and hawthorn, followed by notes of peach, pear, and subtle hints of vanilla and toasted hazelnuts. On the palate, it offers a creamy texture with flavors of orchard fruits, buttery nuances, and a touch of spice. The wine’s minerality and balanced acidity lead to a long, elegant finish with a gentle bitterness that adds depth.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Champagne pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Its complexity complements seafood such as steamed turbot with oyster mushrooms or roast lobster with black truffles. It also harmonizes with poultry dishes and can elevate simple preparations like asparagus with mousseline sauce. The wine’s elegance makes it suitable for both refined meals and celebratory occasions.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve Cuvée Louise 2005 chilled at 10–12°C (50–54°F) in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass to concentrate its aromas and preserve the effervescence. Allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after pouring can help it open up and reveal its full bouquet. Avoid decanting to maintain its delicate bubbles.

Storage and Aging Potential

Stored under optimal conditions—cool, dark, and with stable humidity—Cuvée Louise 2005 has demonstrated remarkable aging potential. Even after nearly two decades, well-cellared bottles continue to evolve, developing deeper complexity and tertiary notes of brioche, toasted nuts, and dried fruit. It is expected to remain at its peak for several more years.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

Approximately 65% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5%

Scores

• James Suckling: 97

• Wine Spectator: 92

• Wine & Spirits: 92

• Natalie MacLean: 95