95 Alain Thienot, Brut Grand Cuvee

If it smells like Krug, if it looks like Krug, then it must be ... Thienot? Like vintage Krug, this Thienot has a beautiful toast to its nose and a striking virgin elegance that would be reserved for weddings were I not so wanton for great champagne. It is tight without being austere--my teeth don't hurt the next day--parlaying simple but energizing flavors of lemon, sourdough, green apple, and english muffin.