Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial

(roughly 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay; 9 g/l dosage; LAIBG): Light, bright yellow. Musky pear and toasty lees on the nose and in the mouth. Fleshy and open-knit, with a hint of bitter lemon pith adding back-end cut. Finishes on a gently smoky note, with very good cling and focus and a hint of bitter quinine. This must be the best example of this bottling that I've had in years, if not decades. In the past the Imperial Brut received a dosage of 12 g/l, but no more; in fact, there's talk that in the near future it may be dropped down as far as 7 g/l.

Tasted from magnum, the NV Champagne Imperial Brut is based on the 2018 vintage and displays a rich straw/golden color, while the nose is ripe with aromas of baked apples, graham spice, toast, and dusty earth. Medium-bodied, the palate is generous and fruity, with an approachable feel. Very consistent on the palate, it’s like a fresh baked apple pie all the way through. Suitable for a wide range of occasions, it will be best enjoyed over the next few years. 7 grams per liter dosage.

Nicely complex aromas here, from dried apples, peaches and pears to candied citrus and brioche. It’s fruity, soft and rounded on the palate. Medium-bodied, lightly honeyed and balanced. Blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. Around 7g/L dosage. Tasted from magnum. Drink now.

Well balanced, this Champagne, even with its enormous production, remains a benchmark and is always enjoyable. In this bottling, ripe white fruit is cut with citrus, with an edge of toastiness that gives complexity. Drink now.