Armand de Brignac Armand de Brignac Blanc de Blancs NV 750ml

The NV Blanc de Blancs (tasted from the 0.75-liter bottle) is a pure Chardonnay sourced in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims and is a blend of the 2005, 2006 and 2008 vintages. The cuvée (Lot L107A8) opens with a clear, fresh and intense bouquet of ripe fruits and some chalky flavors. Full-bodied, terribly fresh and with good grip and tension, this is a persistent, salty-mineral and still a bit nervous Blanc de Blancs with good aging potential. (The magnum sells for $1,500.) Tasted April 2018.

A bright blanc de blancs, with a crisp and lacy mousse, this offers notes of crunchy pear, ground ginger and lemon pith. Offers a clean-cut finish, showing minerally hints of smoke and spice. Drink now through 2020.