96+Disgorged in March 2018 to be released later this year is the 2012 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Les Chemins d'Avize, an impressive wine that wafts from the glass with scents of almond paste, pear, lemon and crushed chalk that are gently wood-inflected at this early stage, though I expect that will be hard to discern with a few more months on cork. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, rich and textural, with a deep and multidimensional core and a precise, lively finish. I'm looking forward to revisiting it. - WK

From a single, 0.7ha plot in Avize. The 2012 has a very rich nose with intense yellow peaches and citrus fruit, showing exceptional maturity and some exotic nuances. The palate is seductive and round with a very expressive feel and plenty of supple, smooth, pastry-like texture. Lemon-curd and pie-crust finish. Drink now.