“A passionate and dedicated perfectionist, Cédric Bouchard has only been making wine since 2000, yet his champagnes have already become some of the most sought-after in the region.”
One parcel, one variety, one vintage, this is the essence of Bouchard’s philosophy.
Early on he produced wines under a label called Inflorescence, this no longer exists. The vines that bore the first for these wines, came from Cédric’s father, who had a very different approach. He now owns these vineyards and farms them in the same way as all the other Roses de Jeanne wines. The estate is named with homage to his Polish grandmother, Janika.
Roses de Jeanne parcels are trained in Cordon du Royat for pinot noir and Chablis for chardonnay, and are always harvested exceptionally low, at 4,000 kg/ha (26 hl/ha). This helps deliver the extreme concentration, minerality and precision found in Cédric’s wines.
92 Points Antonio Galloni
The NV (2012) Blanc de Noirs Cote de Val Vilaine is superb. At age ten it is in the perfect spot for readers who appreciate Champagnes with a bit of bottle age. Kirsch, plum, apricot and exotic spice abound as the natural resonance of Pinot envelops the palate. There is a touch of reduction – often a Val Vilaine signature – that adds complexity without overpowering the wine. My general view is that Cedric Bouchard s Champagnes peak around age 12-15, maximum. Two recent bottles of the 2012 Val Vilaine reinforce that. The 2012 will likely hold on for a few more years, but it won t improve meaningfully. What a pleasure it is to drink this.