Champagne Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2018 - from $159.99

In their words - The Taittinger Vintage Brut is exclusively produced from first press wines, blended from 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. The Grands Crus make up a significant proportion at 70%, while the other selected villages are all classified as Premiers Crus.

2018 vintage notes - A clear, luminous appearance with a youthful brilliance, marked by a yellow hue and subtle pale gold highlights.

The nose of this 2018 vintage reveals a refined complexity, with floral hints of hawthorn and inviting notes of pear, kumquat, verbena, gingerbread, and white flowers, all gently lifted by a delicate menthol nuance.

On the palate, it reveals remarkable energy.  The attack is fresh and vibrant, with floral hints of honeysuckle mingling with delicate notes of peach and citrus. The finish is subtle, offering lovely aromatic persistence with refined bitters of orange peel.

There is a beautiful balance between the elegance of the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs and the broader structure of the Pinot Noirs from the Montagne de Reims. This cuvée is the perfect expression of a terroir, a year, a climate, and our House style. It embodies all the finesse, maturity, and character of our vineyards that you will experience with every sip of this vintage.

Cured ham, gougère, chicken, salmon sashimi and maki, St Pierre fish, tuna and avocado salad with Mimolette cheese.