A blanc-de-blancs single vineyard ‘Grower champagne’ from Merfy – the “Heurtebise” vineyard. Very dry, but also wonderfully complex. The nose shows this in spades – almond, fennel, creme fraiche, white peach, nougat and even a loamy, dry compost edge to the aromatics. Fine, mousse bubbles that prickle the tongue. Tight, lean and exquisitely minerally. A pulse of frisky acidity underpins the dried pineapple, praline, lime zest and candy apple notes, giving an intriguing balance of tart and sweetness to the palate. A mile-long, saline finish. 96pts
Champagne Chartogne-Taillet Heurtebise 2017
