| Description: |
Cumires is a bucolic commune within the Valle de la Marne where you could walk from one end to the other in the length of a pop album. With less than 1,000 residents (who are affectionately referred to as Cumariots), this place is seemingly stuck in time, and the pace here is slow and steady. Despite the quiet nature of its streets, Cumires is home to some of the great Champagne producers. The vineyards here are south-facing slopes and benefit from exceptional exposure in what can be a cold and frosty growing climate. There are few Special Club producers here, so Sanchez Le Guedard stands out as a unique estate. Jose and Sebastian Sanchez steward about 5 hectares of vineyard in Cumires, Damery, and Oger. Most of their holdings are planted to Pinot Noir, in keeping with the trend for the growing region. However, they are passionate about highlighting Pinot Meunier as a single varietal and vintage. The 2012 vintage is considered among the most difficult ever in Champagne but, ultimately, one of the most extraordinary that can be remembered. Spring was marked by torrential downpours and late frost in mid-April, which reduced crop yield by roughly 40%. Rain continued to fall at a great pace until mid-July, igniting an assortment of fungal diseases that wiped out more crop still. Then, in August, the black cloud was pulled from the sky, and favorable conditions rolled in. The summer days were hot, and the nights stayed cool, which allowed what little crop remained to preserve great acidity. When harvest came, the tonnage was small, but the quality of the fruit was incredible. For Jose and Sebastian, this 2012 millsime (vintage) fills them with pride every time they drink it as it represents resilience and hope. Notes of savory red apple, ripe cherry, and rye bread are interlaced with a brilliant minerality that cuts through the center of the palate. This is a robust Champagne that is delicious on its own but would also stand up to an assortment of cheeses, oysters, or roasted meats. - ACME Fine Wines |
