Ace Of Spades Brut

The non-vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature bottling from the Laherte family is excellent this year. This too is a blend of base year 2012 and reserve wines from 2011, which are aged for a year in barrel. The wine is superb on the nose, offering up an aromatic constellation of pear, apple, brioche, chalky soil tones, white flowers and a lovely topnote of lemon zest. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and very refined on the attack, with a lovely core, elegant mousse, bright, well-integrated acids and lovely grip on the long and complex finish. This is an exquisitely balanced Brut Nature and eminently drinkable right out of the blocks. 2015-2030. – John Gilman