Taittinger Champagne Brut Reserve

90 Point Wine Spectator - "A mouthwatering version, with a fine, lacy mousse and delicate flavors of poached apple, blackberry, beeswax and lemon confit underscored by a streak of smoky minerality that echoes on the finish. Showing class and style, the nonvintage Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne offers stunning richness while exhibiting excellent overall balance. The winery notes, "(this wine) contains a higher proportion of the finer Chardonnay grape than other nonvintage Champagnes, giving elegance and freshness to the wine." They are absolutely on the money with their self-assessment. Active on the palate, with bright core fruits and zesty citrus and mineral flavors, a pairing with raw oysters would seem to be in order. Drink now through 2019.

An elegantly fresh and delicate Champagne blended from a high proportion of Chardonnay grapes to yield a refined flavor palette of pear and stone fruits offset by warm, yeasty notes and hints of breadcrust.