2016 Damien Hugot Grand Cru "Cramant" Blanc de Blancs Millesime

What a nose—flinty and chalky with hints of pastry and lemon curd. It rings all the fine bubbly bells and whistles, signaling that what I’m about to taste is going to be incredible. Rich and dry, this generous Champagne embodies pure elegance and sophistication: lemon, flint, chalk, and toast, culminating in a lingering toasty finish with subtle hints of vanilla pastry cream that swirls in the sinuses. I’ve tasted Champagnes that cost twice as much and not taste half as good. Fantastic value!

This is my kind of Champagne! The nose is citrus and lemon curd right up front. Once on the palate it's electric with bright, tart acidity and loads of chalky minerality. There's also toasty brioche and sourdough baguette to play against the citrus, and all permeated with very fine, sharp bubbles. This makes for a bright, elegant, and sunny style of Champagne that's great as an aperitif or for sipping on all night.