A creamy and fresh Champagne with aromas of almonds, white flowers, apricots and chalk. Round and fine bubbles. Crisp, biscuity finish. One third each of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier. Base wine 2017, with 20% reserve from 2016 and 2015. 5g/L dosage. Disgorged April 2022. Drink now.

The NV Cordon Bleu Brut is a classic De Venoge assemblage of 50% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Meunier from roughly 20 different villages. This sample is based on the 2013 vintage (75%) and includes 15% of 2012 and 10% of 2011 (disgorged in January 2017; dosage of 7.8 grams per liter). Intense brioche and delicate chalky aromas flavor the fine and elegant bouquet. On the palate, this is a round, fresh and well-balanced Champagne with a tight structure and and impressive length. There is even a certain salinity that makes this Brut a first class aperitif and at a very good price point. Tasted November 2017. - Stephan Reinhardt