Appellation:  Epernay, France

Winemaking Techniques:  The estate gets its grapes from 65 different small farmers spread throughout the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne growing regions. After meticulous hand harvesting in small lots, the grapes are crushed and fermented entirely in 228 liter barrels made of old French oak. This small-lot, barrel fermentation represents the traditional method of champagne production that is rarely practiced today, as most larger producers favor fermentation in steel for volume and ease.

Tasting Notes:  This great classic clearly shows the art of Champagne production. Pale blonde in the glass with fine bubbles, this wine has a remarkable nose of mineral, and striking hibiscus aromas -- a unique combination of floral and fruity qualities. In the mouth it is bright with a mineral acidity, very soft mousse, and beautifully yeasty warm bread quality that merges nicely with citrus elements as the wine lingers through a long finish.

Reviews:  Rating: 93.5 - by The Wine Messenger. A rich hand-crafted Brut Champagne from a very traditional house. The Champagne has fine, extremely long-lasting bubbles and is very complex with a lingering fruit finish of citrus, mangos, peaches and apricots.