TLDR:
- Jay-Z’s Armand de Brignac launches first vintage champagne, Blanc de Noirs Vintage 2015
- Limited edition of 1,258 magnum bottles priced at $3,400 each
- Made with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier from premium vineyards
- Bottles feature hand-applied French pewter labels and aged for 7+ years
- LVMH’s Moët Hennessy owns 50% stake in the brand since 2021
Armand de Brignac, the luxury champagne brand partially owned by Jay-Z, has announced its first-ever vintage release. The Blanc de Noirs Vintage 2015 will be available exclusively in 1.5-liter magnum bottles, with only 1,258 bottles produced for the limited edition run.
Each bottle of the new vintage carries a price tag of $3,400 and features meticulous craftsmanship, including hand-applied French pewter labels and hand polishing of the metalized bottle. The champagne underwent an extensive aging process, resting in cellars for more than seven years before being disgorged on February 8, 2024.
The 2015 vintage was crafted using a precise blend of grapes from prestigious vineyards. The composition includes 70% Pinot Noir sourced from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Mailly and Verzenay. The remaining 30% consists of Pinot Meunier from Chigny les Roses, Rilly la Montagne, and Ludes.
Weather conditions played a crucial role in shaping the champagne’s character. The Champagne region experienced a wet spring in 2015, followed by a warm, dry summer. Despite these contrasting conditions, the quality of the fruit remained exceptional for the vintage blend.
The champagne offers a complex flavor profile that the brand describes as a “symphony of flavors.” Tasting notes include white peach, almond, and clementine, complemented by warming cinnamon and cloves. Additional flavors of plum and strawberry are present, along with subtle violet flower aromatics.
The finish is described as pleasing and elegant, featuring lingering notes of gingerbread, orange, and refined licorice essence. This careful blend of flavors and aromas represents a push into new territory for champagne blending techniques.
Each bottle undergoes a detailed finishing process. The metalized bottles receive individual attention, with craftsmen applying the French pewter labels by hand. A final hand polishing ensures the premium presentation matches the luxury status of the product.
The Blanc de Noirs Vintage 2015 joins Armand de Brignac’s existing portfolio of prestigious champagnes. The brand’s current lineup includes Gold Brut, Rosé, Demi-Sec, Blanc de Blancs, and Blanc de Noirs Assemblage No. 4.
The release comes three years after a major business development for the brand. In 2021, Jay-Z sold a 50% stake in Armand de Brignac to LVMH’s wine and spirits division, Moët Hennessy. The partnership merged Jay-Z’s cultural influence with LVMH’s centuries of wine and spirits expertise.
The champagne will be available through select retailers worldwide starting in November 2024. The limited quantity of 1,258 bottles ensures exclusivity for this first vintage release from the brand.
This launch represents a milestone for Armand de Brignac, marking its entry into vintage champagne production. The brand has established itself in the luxury spirits market alongside other prestigious LVMH holdings such as Dom Pérignon and Moët & Chandon.
The timing of this release coincides with other developments in the Carter family’s spirits portfolio. Jay-Z’s wife, Beyoncé, recently launched her own spirits venture in August 2024 with SirDavis whiskey, also in partnership with Moët Hennessy.
The creation of Blanc de Noirs Vintage 2015 involved careful selection of grapes from specific vineyards. The Grand Cru and Premier Cru designations of the source vineyards indicate the highest quality classification in the Champagne region.
The seven-year aging period allowed the champagne to develop its complex flavor profile. This extended time in the cellars is a standard practice for premium vintage champagnes, contributing to their depth and character.
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