Enjoyed on: January 29, 2022

Grapes: 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Meunier

Dosage: 11-12 g/L

Color: Very pale, yet brassy yellow with a lively bead we both remarked on.

Nose: Yeasty bread notes. Smells like buttery bread or rich flaky pastry (croissant?). Hints of coffee that surprised and pleased us.

Palate: We don’t usually drink things this sweet. So we had trouble getting as clear a read on its character in the first few sips. As the taste developed, it clarified into something much like apple cake: sweet, rich, and yeasty notes and a decided “chew.” The chewiness is more pronounced at the end, reminding us at times of sour cherry or gummy candy. There is also a bitterness that lingers on the palate, with toasted nut flavors. Alcohol-y finish.

We got this for $36, so not an expensive champagne as they go. Overall, we were surprised to like it (see note on sweeter wines above). But this was easy to drink and looked beautiful in the glass.