Founded in 1798, Champagne Jacquesson is one of Champagne's oldest and most respected houses. Based in Dizy, the estate has been owned by the Chiquet family since 1974. Under brothers Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet, Jacquesson transformed into a benchmark grower-producer by focusing on exceptional vineyard sites, low yields and minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar.

Unlike most Champagne houses that strive for a consistent non-vintage blend, Jacquesson introduced its 700 Series in 2000. Each numbered cuvée is based on a single harvest and reflects the character of that vintage, complemented by reserve wines from earlier years. Cuvée No. 744 is based on the 2016 vintage, one of the finest recent years in Champagne, and exemplifies the house's philosophy of expressing terroir and vintage rather than maintaining a fixed house style.

Cuvée No. 744 is an Extra Brut Champagne with a blend of approximately 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier. Around 70% of the wine comes from the 2016 harvest, with the balance from reserve wines. The grapes are sourced from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, including Aÿ, Dizy, Hautvillers, Avize and Oiry. The wine is aged extensively on its lees before disgorgement and finished with an exceptionally low dosage of 0.75 g/L, emphasising precision and minerality.

The style is taut, energetic and complex. Aromas of orange zest, lemon oil, crisp apple, white peach, brioche, toasted almonds and chalky minerality lead into a palate of remarkable depth and finesse. Fine mousse, vibrant acidity and a saline, mineral-driven finish make this a Champagne that is equally compelling as an aperitif or at the table. While approachable now, it will reward extended cellaring.

" Exhibiting complex aromas of orange oil, crisp stone fruit, fenugreek and subtle hints of yellow Chartreuse, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and seamless, with terrific depth at the core, lively acids and a pinpoint mousse. Simultaneously vivid but replete with sapid nuance. " -- Wine Advocate, William Kelley

" Based on the 2016 vintage, Cuvée 744 offers an elegant, floral and toasty bouquet with white fruits, peach, lemon and herbs. Pure and clean on the palate, this is a vibrant, energetic and racy Champagne." -- Decanter

" A tangy and intense Champagne with apricots and biscuits and orange-like acidity. Full-bodied with depth and verticality... Electric finish with lovely bitterness and baked apple notes." -- James Suckling