Mailly Grand Cru : Brut Réserve

Pleasant stone and strawberry characters; rounded, with a touch of bitter red grapefruit and salted crackers. 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay from the grand cru village of Mailly on the northern face of the Montagne de Reims.

Very complex nose of candied fruits, apricot tart and vanilla sugar. Mouth-filling richness, the fruit aromas completely filling out the expansive body. The tangerine and nectarine fruit just keep on coming at you, but the balance is spot-on so this never feels like too much. Beautiful integration of fruit, creaminess and acidity. Drink now.

A Brut Réserve dominated by Chardonnay, very classic, with notes of white flowers and a moderately pronounced autolytic, pastry-like character. The bubbles are lively; they could refine further, but the overall impression is elegant.

Seems very fruity and simple at first--offering little more than hints of peach and strawberry. But it picks up on the midpalate, turning toastier and more savory. Plump, yet finishes with a crisp burst of citrus.