I first discovered Benoît Déhu back in 2014. Déhu was (and still is) part of the “Origines” group, which are among many of the tastings you can visit, in what we now know as the Champagne week in April.
Origines
are a group very friendly people, good intend, curiousness and the willingness
to be inspired. However, back in 2014 I witness way too much Chaptalization. Of
course I am rudely generalizing (forgive me), but on that day, the bone dry
2011 (1g/l dosage)“La Rue des Noyers” was easy to fall in love with.
Dehu also
served some still wines at Origines. They were pretty bold in character and
might have had a bit too much wood infusion – yet quit intense for Coteaux
Champenois. I will have to re-taste these wines someday.
Since then
– I have tasted the 2011 “La Rue des Noyers” on several occasions and have
always appreciated it. It’s a Champagne, which combines the sophisticated side
of Pinot Meunier, which has its roots in high pitched energy and spices. It’s
far from the heavy and baroque style of Meunier, which is really not my thing.
“La Rue des
Noyers” has a phenomenal linear energy, which is intensified by a singing
clarity. In 2011 the Champagne is obviously greener and herbal – which is
typical for the vintage. However somehow it works here, though I believe that
the 2011 should be drunk young.
Almost
since I first tasted the 2011 - I have been eager for the 2012 to be released.
It happened earlier this year and a few days ago I tasted it.
2012 Benoît Déhu “La Rue des Noyers”
Blend: 100%
Pinot Meunier
Soil: Black
limestone
Vineyard: 1,7ha
in Fossoy (roughly 57
km west of Reims)
Vines: 40-45 years
old
Viticulture: Bio
Vinification:
Oak 228L (comes from local forrest in Fossoy). No Malo
Dosage:
Zero
Production:
2.000 bottles
Disgorgement: 14 October 2015
Glass:
Zalto White Wine.
The nose is
really tense and packed with dynamite young juice. The 2012 are a sizzling fruit sensation, which feels like
small frozen crystallized particles waiting to defrost and explode. Normally
you would rarely hear me say, that a Champagne is too young. There is always
something to learn and explore from a youthful Champagne and in fact - 9 out of
10 times I prefer a young Champagne.
But this is
really youthful. But goddamn I would still recommend you take a dive here as
it’s, filled with lime zest, flowers, apples and mint. In the background you
have a slight smokey touch from the oak, which is in perfect harmony, as the
fruit overload is so massive. The
taste is awesome, both in terms of purity, energy and a nerve-wrecking acidity.
Hunt it, if
you can find it.
P.s. Dehu
Also makes a cuvée called “Le Pythie”, which I have yet to taste.