Drappier, Millésime Exception, Champagne, France 2012

2012 suffered from a severe hailstorm which decimated crops, but the surviving grapes were of good quality. 50% of the base wine, as well as the liqueur de tirage and liqueur d'expédition, were matured in oak The resulting wine has a biscuity, toasty nose with a streak of fresh lemon, and it's also very lemony on the palate, cutting through its rich brioche and lees character. Oak tannins lend it some structure, and the acidity is very bright, giving this vintage expression fantastic balance.

Drappier’s Millésime Exception is youthful, honeyed and rich, with aromas of ripe pear, quince and peach, coloured with hints of yeasty bread dough and a hint of spice. The texture is dense and powerful, yet there is enough acidity to maintain the wine's freshness and balance. The grapes are a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay; half are fermented in small casks and larger oak uprights, and the wine is aged four years on the lees before being finished with a dosage of 5 g/l.