TN: G.H. Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge Brut NV

[geo t.]

G.H. Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge Brut NV $35.99, 12%.: This bottle was quite likely two years old or more, from what the distributor rep who sold it to my predecessor tells me. I brought this one home to check out the condition of the wine, due to water damage to the labels that made it impossible to sell, and I was happy to find that what is in the bottle is doing just fine. Medium straw in color, with an active bead and plenty of froth in the mouth; the nose is all flint and unbuttered popcorn, with more of the same on the palate, anchored with a solid core of under-ripe apple and a hint of bread dough underneath it all. It shows good intensity on every level, with plenty of nervosity and good length on the finish. It’s somewhat ironic that I brought this home when I did, because I read some rather unkind remarks directed towards Cordon Rouge on some internet wine forums with regard to being in the Tigers’ clubhouse for both of their playoff celebrations, but we found it to be just fine, and even if it’s not the best Champagne around for the money, it still kicks Veuve Clicquot’s yellow ass every day of the year. But then, I suppose that’s not saying much…

Imported by Allied Domecq Wines, USA, Healdsburg, CA

-From Bubbles in October

Reporting from Day-twah,

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[Adam]

Interesting to hear! I have always been disapointed by Mumm...I heard they were getting better but this appears to be a note on an older vintage...maybe they just need cellaring!!

[Maximus]

Yeh, I've never liked Mumm either. I've always found a sour grapefruit sort of character on the palate that just doesn't sit nice with me.

[Adair]

Had a Mumm NV with the newer, smaller label - creaminess, good depth, and structure that gave focus, length and balance... good enough for my $50.

Adair

[geo t.]

I definitely think that the one we drank benifited from the two or three years spent in the backstock room at the retail outlet in which I am gainfully employed.