Colmant Brut Reserve NV Cap Classique

Greg Sherwood 94

Cellar master Paul Gerber and the Colmant team certainly make an impressive array of Cap Classique sparkling wines, but true to the authentic Champagne philosophy of consistency of quality, their mainstay Brut Reserve Non-Vintage is probably one of their finest creations displaying a confident house style. The Brut Reserve NV is a traditional blend of Pinot Noir (52%) and Chardonnay (48%) grapes grown in Franschhoek, Robertson and Elgin. A portion of the base wine – just 10% – was fermented in French oak barrels with a further 20% of the blend comprising of reserve wines from previous vintages. Each bottle matures a minimum of 30 months before it is released. Always given the utmost attention to detail, the aromatics of the Brut Reserve are tantalisingly saline and pithy with complex notes of lemon drizzle cake, kelp, sea breeze, nori, leesy lemon peel and savoury notes of oatmeal, dried herbs and vanilla pod spice. The palate reveals a creamy, vivacious energy combining a delicious briney salinity with hints of rock salt, white citrus, lemon cordial and a delightful savoury autolytic brioche undertone. Such purity, precision, and finesse with a pinpoint fine mousse that caresses the palate, finishing with a kelpy reprise of salinity and acid freshness. This is a true masterpiece of Cap Classique production! Drink this now or cellar for a further 3 to 5 years. – Greg Sherwood MW. [Greg Sherwood, 01/01/2023]