Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Orizeaux Extra Brut - 2012 Base NV

Sixty-year-old Pinot Noir vines give this cuvée real grip beneath what is otherwise a fresh, delicate surface, pear skin, apple blossom, and lemon zest lifted by a fine, persistent bead. Chardonnay threads through the structure with elegance, softening the Pinot's inherent tension without blunting it. There's a chalky dryness on the finish that ties it all together. Impressive extra brut poise.