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A blend of three varietals selected exclusively from Grand Cru classified "terroirs": 60% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier. Beautiful golden "robe" with very fine bubbles spreading out a complex, subtle and well balanced nose of red fruits, citrus, spices, herbs and toasted bread. This Grand Cru is well known for offering a great deal of terroir character with delicacy.

Subtle spice and hints of citrus on the nose. Warm toasty notes balance the freshness of fruit. Medium bodied and very easy on the palate. Perfectly balanced: a soft mouthfeel belies the strong structure of the wine. Finishes clean yet delicately lingers.

45% Meunier, 35% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir. The current cuvée is 81% 2002, 6% 2001 and 13% 2000. The vines average 25 years old. In fact this is everything that N.V. Brut should be. With one, maybe two exceptions, this would wipe the floor with anything from any négoçiant. It’s so silken and fine, full of oleander, pumpernickel and mimosa, and the palate has exceptional grace and detail. This cuvée is riper and fuller bodied than last year’s but it’s as silky and precise as ever.

This is the same base wine as the Brut Réserve; thus it’s 50% 2001 and 25% each 2000 and 1999. He adds ten year old red wine to confer depth. I found the wine deceptively pretty; it smells like a June picnic basket, but on the palate it’s silky, gauzy, detailed and sleek, with tertiary notes of leaf-smoke and lavender. It’s significantly more youthful and frisky but also cornbread-y and lush.