STUNNING! Alluring and absolutely stunning with fresh red currants, cranberries, bright cherry, apples, dried orange peel, honey, and brown-butter bread crust richness. Serious, with stony minerality, dried flowers, tangerine, lemon curd, rose petal, and pomegranate. Its spicier notes (cardamom perhaps?) reveal themselves as it opens. This is complex and intense with a vibrant freshness. Persistent and elegant. Pair with pate, extra special cheese, charcuterie boards, and toasting that we have so much to be thankful for. 95 points
Founded in 1760, this Grand Cru house is nearly the oldest in Champagne and began when a vineyard owner and his son started aging their champagne in the cellar under their house (and it's still there today!). After another son returned home--having lost his post as a knight of the Order of Malta when Napoleon conquered the island--he tasted what his father and brother had created and finally convinced them to let him sell their champagne in Europe's biggest cities. Almost three centuries later--maintaining its own identity while the rest of the champagne world merges and muddles--it's still one of the most respected and absolutely delicious showstoppers of Champagne.