Chalky minerality, lemon peel and spring blossom on the palate and the smell of freshly-baked bread. Tiny bubbles. I'd expect most students to get this as a Blanc de Blancs from Champagne. Bonus points for anyone who spots the Extra Brut dosage.

This Blanc de Blancs champagne is anything but flashy and it might take a moment switch onto its wavelength. However, it has excellent depth and finely etched contours on the medium-bodied palate, the Amalfi-lemon character building as it aerates in the glass. Beautiful balance at the very long, rather rich but very dry finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is a powerful, driving wine that exemplifies the house style at Larmandier-Bernier. There"s real texture and breadth here. Citrus, dried almond, chamomile and crushed flowers build in a beautifully resonant, expressive Champagne that shows the natural richness that is common in the southern part of Vertus. This release is 60% 2018 and 40% a perpetual reserve that goes back to 2004. It"s fabulous. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. - AG