Champagne Deutz - Brut Millésimé 2005

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Following the 2022 harvest—which will be remembered as exceptional for the quality of its grapes—Michel Davesne is handing over the reins of the winery to Caroline Latrive, though the core values of this fine Aÿ estate, founded in 1838, remain unchanged. Most of the grapes come from within a 30-kilometer radius of Épernay; the three grape varieties take center stage, and vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, as does the aging of reserve wines. The lineup is well-structured, though the non-vintage rosé could benefit from more depth. We particularly enjoy the Blanc de Blancs, the Amour cuvée, and of course the William Deutz and Hommage à William Deutz.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Originally from Aachen, wine merchants William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann founded this prestigious house in 1838. Long a family-owned business, the company joined the Roederer group in 1993. Renowned for its meticulous blends (30 to 40 different crus for its Classic brut), it owns 46 hectares and sources its grapes from a limited radius of 30 km around the grand cru Aÿ, in the Grande Vallée de la Marne. In 2023, after 26 years as president of the house, Fabrice Rosset handed the reins to Marc Hoellinger, while Michel Davesne, having retired, passed the keys to the cellar to Caroline Latrive, who came from Ayala.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This true house, part of the Rouzaud family (Louis Roederer champagnes), is making its mark and establishing the consistency of its portfolio through a well-defined, precise, and full-bodied style. In a minor revolution, Marc Hoellinger, a defector from LVMH, succeeded Fabrice Rosset, who had been at the helm of this house for a quarter of a century. Owner of significant vineyards in Champagne, particularly in the Montagne de Reims, Deutz continues to produce champagnes faithful to their terroir of origin, dominated by Pinot, that are at once classic, elegant, deep, and straightforward. Each year, the house produces a superb Brut Classic—precise and structured, with fine bubbles. A master of black grapes, Deutz also excels in blanc de blancs with Amour de Deutz, a wine that is both racy and invigorating. As with the previous vintage, the rosés are subtle and perfectly balanced. We are pleased to note that the rest of the range holds its own.

Wine Spectator

James Suckling