Jacquesson Cuvee 742 Extra Brut Champagne [V94][JS93][WA93+][WS93][BH92][D92][JG92] WINE

Producer: Jacquesson  
Region: Champagne, France 
Blend: 59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay
Year: Non-Vintage  

Vinous, 94 Points 

“The Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742, based on the 2014 vintage, is a gorgeous wine. In this release, the Cuvée seems especially marked by Pinot in both its flavor profile and texture. Dried pear, hazelnut, mint, chamomile and dried flowers all grace this rich, beautifully resonant Champagne from Jacquesson. Best of all, the 742 will drink well with minimal cellaring. The 700-series Champagnes are often superb; the 742 is an especially fine edition. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Dosage is 1.5 grams per liter.” 

James Suckling, 93 Points 

“This is packed with interest and has a savory edge with a big, grilled-almond and toasty feel to the nose, together with some fresh, crushed hazelnuts and green apples. The palate has a very bold and punchy feel with super crisp flavors and a big surge of acid-drenched power. Finishes bracingly dry. Based on the 2014 vintage. Drink now.” 

Wine Advocate, 93+ Points 

“Based on the 2014 vintage and disgorged with 1.5 grams per liter dosage in July 2018, Jacquesson’s NV Extra Brut Cuvée No. 742 continues the house’s pioneering series of cuvées that employ reserve wines not in pursuit of a constant “house style” but merely with the aim of complementing each base vintage to maximize its potential. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of walnut oil, dried white flowers, saffron, citrus oil and crisp orchard fruit, along with a delicate top note of fino sherry, it’s medium to full-bodied, sapid and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. I found it irresistible.” 

Wine Spectator, 93 Points 

“A creamy and harmonious version, with a fragrant skein of spice that unwinds through flavors of raspberry tart, lemon pastry cream, lime blossom and candied ginger. Lightly mouthwatering on the lingering, spiced finish. Disgorged July 2018. Drink now through 2024.” 

Burghound,92 Points 

“Based on the highly complex nose that flirts with secondary nuances, I suspect that the percentage of reserve wines is substantial with the aromas of toasty yeast, pear and pear compote and whiffs of Meyer lemon and quinine. The delicious and attractively textured medium weight flavors are supported by a firm but not aggressive effervescence that is quite fine, all wrapped in a dry but not austere finale that seems slightly less dry than the 1.5% dosage would suggest. This full-flavored effort is lovely and for my taste it is drinking perfectly now though it certainly could be held if you would like to accentuate the toasty characteristics.” 

Decanter, 92 Points 

“Cuvée 742 is sourced from plots situated in Aÿ, Dizy, and Hautvillers (59%) and in Avize and Oiry (41%). It has a powerful aromatic complexity with minty, floral and orchard fruit elements, while the fresh, generous yet silky texture is supported by fresh, well-judged acidity. A superb entry-level Champagne. Dosage: 1.5g/l” 

John Gilman, 92 Points 

“The newest release of Jacquesson’s flagship bottling is their “Cuvée No. 742”, which finds its foundation in the base year of 2014. The vins clairs were once again fermented and aged in large, older oak foudres and the wine was finished with a dosage of 1.5 grams per liter when it was disgorged in July of 2018. The wine offers up a fine nose of pear, fresh almond, a bit of apple blossom, chalky minerality, brioche and just a whisper of buttery oak in the upper register. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with brisk acids, excellent focus and grip, pinpoint bubbles and lovely focus and balance on the long and still fairly youthful finish. This is quite dry, but has plenty of depth of fruit to buffer its acids and is quite approachable today, but it is still in climbing mode and will be a far more complete glass of bubbly five years down the road. For current drinking, the Cuvée No. 741 is the more ready to go bottling. Fine juice in the making. (Drink between 2021-2055)” 

Alcohol: 12.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.