NV Waris-Larmandier, Avize Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs

A glass of this might seem esoteric with a ham and brie baguette on an early fall Wednesday in Paris. Sharing a bottle and a broken-French discussion about politics and "people," I doubt I could contain myself. Without the lust and sloth, however, it is an underwhelming wine. The tart gala apple and orange marmalade flavors are tremendous, but nothing else happens and my palate quickly grows tired of the incessant encores. The flavor is bolder than that of many non-vintage champagnes, but the Pop Rocks and soda structure makes it seem overwhelming. Despite the whoopie cushion finish, I can't help but long for that imagined moment in the Latin Quarter, talking some bullshit and drinking my bistro wine.