NV Charles Heidsieck, Brut Reserve

Toast, toffee, and hazelnut nose. The acid-driven palate brings out the toast even more with subtle orange oil, ginger, and rounded, slightly creamy yeast. The fruit makes only a marginal appearance to balance the acid and nothing more. This wine's stunning clarity (in appearance and taste) is a testament to the spoils of consistency. Big bubbles. The Brut Reserve seems precisely what it tries to be -- a remarkably well-balanced, structured, and interesting champagne with bold, confident character. Mis en cave 1998.