World’s Finest 2020 – Champagne Roger Constant Lemaire Trianon 1966

Located in a tiny Champagne village west side of Epernay, 51700 Villers-sous-Châtillon, and a mere 295 mile drive from central London (Westminster). A passionate family producer, what we call in the wine industry ‘a grower Champagne’, Roger Constant Lemaire is the house which took home the prestigious title of being The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly for 2020.

 

Hundreds of wines were tasted and reviewed, each receiving scores and positioned into categories. Bronze medals to gold and trophies included, the 2020 Glass of Bubbly awards went ahead despite the global effect on the industry from covid-19. A reduced judging panel due to travel restrictions, though nonetheless a strong and dedicated collection of fine judges headed to London to help discover hidden gems amongst a bumper amount of entrants.

 

A little more about Champagne Roger Constant Lemaire

The Lemaire family history began at the end of the 19th century in Hautvilliers, the birthplace of Champagne where a family tradition was born when the gardener and poet Désiré Lemaire, purchased what is now the Lemaire vineyards.

 

Roger Constant Lemaire’s daughter Brigitte married Gilles Tournant, a talented winemaker and together with their sons Sébastien and Guillaume, they continue the family tradition of producing exceptional Champagne using modern and ecologically friendly techniques.

 

From just 12 Hectares the family run estate now exports all over the world under the name of Roger Constant Lemaire. They produce a fine range of Champagne labels to include rosé de saignée and magnificent vintages. Discover the range of Champagne here.

 

“The most exciting part at the Glass of Bubbly awards for me is finding out which sparkling wine is taking home the title of the World’s Finest. I remember in 2017 there was a clear winner, every judge were wowed by the magnificent aromas and flavours of the Champagne Duetz Blanc de Blancs 2010. This year in 2020 it happened again that a wine shone out – a panel of judges had to finish the day of judging by demanding, and rightly so, a full glass of sparkling wine number 2-38 to celebrate the end of a hard day of tasting and scoring. This wine was Champagne Roger Constant Lemaire Trianon 1966.” Christopher Walkey

 

The team at Glass of Bubbly decided to taste the Trianon 1966 and share their tasting notes with you. Is it really that good we ask, will we understand why the judges got so excited over it and importantly, was it worthy of the title of The World’s Finest?

Christopher Walkey tasting notes: “Rich aromas, butter pasty, touch of marzipan and citrus on the nose. Special flavours and a fine Champagne example. Flavours include soft citrus / dried lemon slices, flaky pastry, dark honey, peach skin, dried apricot. No malolactic fermentation, but it remains so smooth and subtle with its acidity.” 95/100

Eve Walkey tasting notes: “Marzipan, almond, butter croissant and floral notes on the nose. Dried apricot, honey and pastry flavours.” 96/100

Oliver Walkey tasting notes: “Marzipan, butter croissant and monkey nuts delights the nose. The palate is in for a treat also with elegantly smooth and sweet bubble popping experience with honey, dried apricot and pastry flavours.” 95/100

 

Official tasting notes and scores from the 2020 Glass of Bubbly Awards judges from Table 2 for the Trianon 1966:

Patricia Stefanowicz MW: “A pale yellow gold, lazy bubbles. Jasmine toasted, butter croissant, green apple, bracing acidity, cracking mousse. Light, elegant, persistent and young.” 96/100

Clio Giudici: “Lovely full mousse. Lively acidity, complex and good length. Toasted almonds, marzipan. Refined, elegant. Excellent wine.” 98/100

Sarah Wright: “Creamy, yeasty, toasty, vanilla, apple strudel, citrus juice, high acid, jasmine killer.” 97/100