Once again proving that Champagne is the only French viticultural region with innovative marketing gimmicks for their 1995 Amour de Deutz Blanc de Blancs Brut Deutz has developed with designer Pascal Morabito a “gold” capsule that turns into a pendant complete with the necklace and “real jewel” held by Deutz’s cherub (my niece Camille loves it). More importantly the Champagne this capsule protects is exceptional. Its superb aromatics of flowers apples pepper and pears leads to a profound full-bodied character. Broad expansive and silky-textured it is so vinous that it comes across more Burgundian than Champenois.

A sharply defined mineral-laden Champagne this shows a hint of oxidation with honey citrus and coffee notes all supported by a firm gum-tingling structure. Its finish is the best part however with a long brioche aftertaste. Drink now through 2008. 1000 cases made.