December 2008

J. DUMANGIN FILS

J. Dumangin Fils 1996 Premier Cru

A dry wine that takes its cue from the intense ageworthy acidity of the 1996 vintage. It brings in all the right pink grapefruit flavors and tight structure that promises several years bottle aging. Even the Dumangin tendency of having apparent high dosage is thankfully missing with this delicious wine. R.V.  (12/1/2008)  - 89

J. Dumangin Fils 1989 Vinothèque Premier Cru Extra-Dry

Score: 88

In contrast to the 1990 vintage, this tastes old. But it has a sturdy structure and character that bring it closer to Champagne. It is certainly a wine for lovers of old Champagne, but as it opens in the glass all the disparate elements come together. R.V. (12/1/2008) - 88

J. Dumangin Fils 2000 Vintage Premier Cru Brut

Score: 87

An attractively crisp wine that is already well developed. There is lemon drop sweetness in the dosage and ripe grapefruit flavors. The wine is balanced and fruity. — R.V. (12/1/2008)

J. Dumangin Fils Rosé

Score: 86

Review: Soft and rounded, this is a full style of rosé, pushing red berry fruits, ripe strawberries right to the front of the palate. That means it is soft, with a relatively high dosage, the acidity acting in a supporting role to give some shape. - R.V. (2008-08-31) - 86

J. Dumangin Fils 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Premium Brut

Score: 86

A fresh, apples-and-cream style of Blanc de Blancs. It has a forward fruit character, led by ripe acidity. There is some sweetness in the aftertaste, but it seems well integrated. — R.V. (12/1/2008

J. Dumangin Fils NV Brut 17

Score: 86

The name 17? It was the number of the tank where Jacky and Gilles Dumangin first made this blend. They made a lively, fresh cuvée definitely more Champagne than wine, with a soft, crisp palate. The flavors are of apricots, ripe pears, a wine that froths easily in the mouth. R.V. (12/1/2008) - 86