The 2005 Amour de Deutz is a very lovely wine in the making, but it is still on the young side and will be far more compelling down the road, once its snappy structural elements have had a chance to relax a bit with bottle age. The pure and nascently complex nose wafts from the glass in a refined blend of lemon, pear, brioche, complex, chalky soil tones, lemon peel and a floral topnote redolent of apple blossoms. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tight and rock solid at the core, with crisp acids, elegant mousse and a very long, focused and still primary finish. This is going to be a great drink in the fullness of time, but like so many 2005 vintage wines from the region, it is still a bit bound up in its structure and needs some cellaring.

Poised, stylish and elegant, this is a wine that recalls a more leisured time. Pristine apple and citrus flavors combine easily and fresh on the palate. It is fruity and bright in character, while showing just a hint of the maturity that should develop in the next two years.

Harmonious and creamy in texture, this bright Champagne offers a hint of smoke-tinged minerality, underscoring lemon meringue pie, raw almond and raspberry puree flavors that show nuances of graphite and spice. Mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2027. 5,800 cases made. –AN