On the nose, the intense nose is daring, with surprising Mediterranean influences mingling dried roses, citron, saffron, figs and bay leaf. The bouquet expresses darker, silvery notes that are briny and peppery.

In the mouth, the wine vibrates and alternates between light and shadow, freshness and gravity. The note holds in pointillist touches arriving in successive waves. Each sensation is light, savory, precise and contained. The acidic imprint that distinguishes the vintage is perfectly integrated here.

Finish, the wine glides without any dryness as the appealing bitterness of spicy citrus lingers on.

30% Chardonnay, 70% Pinot Noir
Dosage: 5 g/l

Lobster, crab, caviar, foie gras, strawberries.

Chilled at 10°C – 12°C.

Having been extremely lucky to receive one of the first bottles of The P2 Rose 1996 in Spain, we find a delicious Rose that is still slightly shut and needing a little more bottle time before it enters its peak drinking time. Still remarkably fresh and floral with deep taste of strawberry and exotic wild fruit. Deep hints of chocolate and strong wine like texture and minerality. The Champagne really starts to improve after around 30/45 minutes has passed since opening the bottle, the extra time has allowed the Champagne time to open and start to show its true colours. A real treat to taste one of my favourite Vintages in such a lovely P2 version that will allow us to enjoy this Wine at its peak drinking time for many more years to come. Paired with Russian Style Rio Frio Caviar and Bellota Reserva Joselito Jamon. For our dessert it was a pleasure to pair with wild raspberry pie.

— Alex_Champagne

98+/100 (November 2016)