The nose is floral, delicate and has chalky-mineral accents with a fine edge of yellow citrus fruit. The palate has a super fine, smooth and focused line of lemon, lime and green-mango flavors. Long and taut. Chardonnay at its elegant, powerful best! Blanc de blancs, 50/50 barrel and tank fermentation from chalky soils in Avize. Drink or hold.

Disgorged in April 2019 with three grams per liter dosage, the 2012 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Minéral is showing brilliantly, bursting from the glass with aromas of ripe citrus fruit, warm bread, green apples and crushed chalk. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with a tensile, chalky core that displays considerable concentration and structuring dry extract, as well as a racy spine of acidity. This comes warmly recommended. - William Kelley