Henri Giraud PR 18 - 90 Non Vintage

Tasted once at the domaine and again in London, the PR 18-90 is founded on the perpetual reserve started in 1990, with this bottling drawn after the addition of the 2018 vintage. The following bottlings will allow for a fascinating comparison of the reserve as it evolves, and will be labeled 19-90, 20-90 and so on. Pale straw in colour, this has a unique, multi-layered nose that combines bright, fresh citrus and stone fruits with base notes of honey, beeswax and all-butter biscuits. Steely and fresh on entry, the mix of vibrant youthful fruit is supported by a rich umami character. Complex and moreish, this can be approached already with a generous, gentle mousse. The tension and length suggest it will also age gracefully in bottle.

A vinous Champagne with so much depth and soft power. Hazelnuts, apricots, peach pits, lemons, pomelos and seashells. Round, creamy bubbles. Complex, but with wonderful drinkability. Converges with precision at the end. Very deep. 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Blend of 2 solera systems of perpetual reserve, started in 1990. Drink or hold.