Disgorged 10/07, as is apparent from the almost invisible lot # on the front label. This cuvée is perhaps more vintage-sensitive than many others in this book, but Rudolph Peters explained to me they have been running a kind of modified “solera” since 1999—this is 65% 2005 and 35% last-year’s cuvée; it shows the classic white-flower flavor along with generous chalkiness and orange-blossom; palate is fluffy and extroverted, with the 2005-class apparent; salty and doughy, with a precise jasmine and chalk finish. It’s also much drier than this wine used to be; there were years it had 12 g.l. RS and this one has half that. As always, two-thirds Mesnil and one-third Cramant-Avize-Oger-Chouilly.

We are talking superb aromas: a riot of flowers, lobster and brioche. It’s unusually ripe, dynamic and powerful, and also quite settled-tasting, with a long deep clinging finish. As good as many others’ vintage wines, thanks in part, to a sensible 10 g.l. RS.

-Robert Parker Wine Advocate 89 Pts
-Stephen Tanzer 89 Pts
-Wine Spectator 88 Pts