Champagne De Saint-Gall So Dark Vintage Grand Cru Magnum 2012

"So dark? from the De Saint-Gall champagne house?a brand of the approximately 60-year-old Union Champagne winegrowers' cooperative?is released only in particularly good vintages. The name is a playful nod to the cuvée's composition: it consists of 80% Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims (primarily Ambonnay and Bouzy) and 20% Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize, Cramant). In the glass, "so dark? appears fresh and lively, with fine bubbles and a complex bouquet of brioche, bitter orange, and red berries. On the palate, notes of mocha, toast, and hazelnut join in, giving this champagne a distinctly wine-like character.