Champagne Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Nature 'Silver'

This is a new favorite of mine, and I love, love, love Champagne. Andre Clouet is a small grower with extensive holdings in the village of Bouzy. Pinot Noir does especially well here, yielding powerful, rich, and expressive Champagnes that are fuller-bodied and broader on the palate.

Clouet's Silver Label Champagne is entirely Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. While this cuvee has zero dosage (added sugar), it was aged in older Sauternes barrels and in bottle longer than the standard; both of these acts add richness and texture. Rich notes of brioche and cream lead into flavors of buttered pasty, citrus, and apple. This is fleshy, quite fancy tasting, and very reasonably priced.