Joseph Perrier 96

I personally think that Joseph Perrier is a champagne house that is 'over looked' by most champagne lovers.

Call me bias , i just love the style the champagne house, blend their champagne-subtle, fruity with just a bit of tint of sweetness at the end of the palate, medium to full body ( depends on age ), fine bubbles.Even when not as chilled and the bubbles finish, it still can pass off as a not too bad white wine.

But before i explain further, a bit of history: The Perriers, an important family dating back to the diligence ! Joseph, the son of wine merchant, François-Alexandre, established the Champagne House in 1825, “Joseph Perrier Fils et Cie”. They settled in Châlons-Sur- Marne, on the road to Fagnières.

Joseph Perrier cuvee is the 'poor' cousin ( like Maserati to Ferrari ) of Josephine, and catogorize under non vintage selection which comes with the range of : blanc de blanc, Rose,Brut and demi sec.

But surprisingly they also have vintage ( selection of certain years) like Joseph Perrier 96 and 99

The highlight of this post is definately the Joseph Perrier 96.

1996 was one of the great year for campagne . Joseph Perrier 96 definately live up to that potential too! The wine has a beautiful light yellow gold colour , fine and long bubbles ,light - medium body and is very subtle and smooth . One can smell the scents of black berries ,emanations of pineapples, candied lychees, old rum, fresh vanilla and honey ; and imagine all of that flavour dancing together on your palate. Leave it 15-30 minutes, one can sense the changes of the champagne , even better!

After more than 10 year of aging( 2009 ), it is now a great time to enjoy the wine! The price of other branded champagne like Dom Perignon (1996 ) has already sky rocketed 3-5 folds.

It is not easy to get hands on Joseph Perrier 96 in Singapore. Even so, do try the Joseph Perrier non vintage cuvee. i think you would not be dissapointed.

"we must expend the bulk of our energy planting good roots today, rather than fretting about the plants that are already growing from the roots we planted in the past.
- Master Hsing Yun"