Delamotte Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 1999

96 points (18/20) Bettane & Desseauve Guide: "After 19 years on the lees and little dosage, the House demonstrates the natural disposition of these great Chardonnays for ageing. The hue is a noticeably browned straw yellow, with mellifluous aromas melting into a deep humidity, a woodland mushroom environment. Walnuts and hazelnuts are adorned with roasting and nougatine preparation, while lemon displays a desirable candied flavor. The palate is sensitive, its ample texture nobly thickening sensations. Great natural structural bitters accompany the whole towards a finish of charming candied orange flavors."

95 points Amy Wislocki (Decanter): "Zero dosage (though you'd never guess, and it isn't stated on the label). Disgorged in two batches, January and June 2019. Part of the Delamotte Collection of vintage blanc de blancs, there was a very limited number of bottles put aside from the warm 1999 vintage. This rare release is a mass of contradictions, a perfect expression of old Chardonnay but with freshness still; powerful and with incredible depth, but also marked by a lightness of touch. Rich brioche and pastry character, with nuttiness, apricot and peach fruit, and some orange citrus. Pair this very special Champagne with something bold: fresh pasta with truffle shavings, perhaps, lobster or smoked salmon. Drinking Window: 2020-2025. (12/2/20)"

93 points James Suckling: "A rich and wonderful Champagne with apple pie and lemon rind character. Full and fruity with layers of fruit and a long, long finish. From the owners of Salon. (6/12/16)"

92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The Delamotte vintage Blanc de Blancs is aged sur lies for seven years in the Delamotte cellars before disgorgement and release to the market, and is made up entirely of grapes from grand cru vineyards (primarily in Mesnil sur Oger and Cramant). The nose on the 1999 is lovely, with a quite toasty personality that offers up scents of apple, pear, wheat toast, lovely, chalky minerality and a nice touch of citrus peel in the upper register. On the palate the wine is fullish, refined and shows off fine mid-palate depth, with very elegant mousse, bright acids and lovely length and grip on the complex and classy finish. There is a marked step up in intensity of flavor here in the vintage Blanc de Blancs than in the very stylish Delamotte Brut non-vintage. 2010-2025. (Sep/Oct 2010)"

92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is substantially more interesting than the NV Brut Rosé with an elegant and relatively high-toned nose that offers a moderate level of yeastiness with a distinct citrus component to the very pretty floral notes that blend into crisp, intense and effervescent middle weight flavors of fine depth and complexity that culminate in a beautifully persistent finish that is stylish and understated. Lovely stuff that could be enjoyed now or held for a few more years. Drink: 2011+. (Oct 2009)"

92 points Wine & Spirits: "[$415 list] Fully mature, this wine has developed flavors of hazelnuts and caramel apples, along with scents of sandalwood. It’s round and heady, while wildflower notes hint at an underlying freshness. A sumptuous, main-course Champagne. (Dec 2019)"