2018 Berry Bros. & Rudd Champagne by Mailly, Grand Cru, Extra Brut

This is from the solar vintage of 2018; it reflects that magnificent year and the quality of the Montagne de Reims’s Grand Cru vineyards. Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it has an expressive nose with sun-kissed apricots, hazelnuts and smoky Pinot perfume. The palate displays great depth, vitality and balance, with a red citrus tang and notes of roasted pear tart with Chantilly cream enveloped in bright, silky foam. The finish is long, dry and firmly chalky, a shining signature of the great Mailly terroir.