The NV Jacques Selosse Blanc de Blancs Substance is a Champagne blend that epitomizes the craftsmanship of the renowned producer Jacques Selosse. Disgorged at various times, this wine is derived from a solera system established in 1986, with the latest releases incorporating vintages up to 2014. This particular bottling saw tirage in 2015 and was disgorged in 2023, resulting in a wine with 12.5% alcohol by volume and a cork closure.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this Champagne an impressive 99 points. William Kelley notes, "Unfurling in the glass with rich and complex aromas of dried fruits, orange zest, saffron, fenugreek, buttered toast, and confit peach, it’s full-bodied, ample, and seamless, with a deep and layered core of fruit, racy acids, and a long, resonant finish." Kelley considers it one of Selosse's most compelling bottlings, although he acknowledges it could be divisive among some wine enthusiasts.
John Gilman from View From The Cellar gave the wine 94 points, highlighting its "deep and still quite youthful nose of fresh apricot, pear, beautifully complex limestone minerality, smoke, gentle nuttiness, a touch of lemon peel, and a faint glimmer of vanillin oak." He describes the palate as "deep, full-bodied, crisp, and superbly complex, with a fine core, frothy mousse, and outstanding focus and grip."
Antonio Galloni from Vinous rated it 96 points, calling it "positively stellar." Galloni states, "Citrus, floral, white pepper, and mineral notes abound," and advises that the wine benefits from additional cellaring to reach its peak expression.
Wine Spectator's review, also awarding 96 points, describes the wine as "distinctive and savory at first," with flavors evolving to "glazed apple, crystallized honey, singed orange peel, lime blossoms, and ground coffee," complemented by a "streak of salinity" and "fine-cut acidity."
Jeb Dunnuck's review, scoring it 98 points, praises its "golden straw hue" and "savory and herbaceous" character. Audrey Frick notes the wine's "core of rich sapidity, concentrated with notes of citrus oils and chalky earth," and appreciates its "racy and linear" palate with a "saline finish and an ultra-fine mousse."
In summary, the NV Jacques Selosse Blanc de Blancs Substance is a meticulously crafted, highly rated Champagne known for its complexity, depth, and potential to age gracefully.