NV Perrier Jouet Blanc de Blancs

The latest release of Perrier-Joët's NV Brut Blanc de Blancs is charming and expressive, bursting from the glass with aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, pear, white flowers and subtle hints of buttered toast. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and fine-boned, its pretty core of fruit is girdled by succulent acids, concluding with a delicately chalky finish.

In smart clear glass bottle. Tiny little bead. Pale to mid straw colour. But the dosage seems relatively high, too high to expose the crystalline quality of the most refreshing Blanc de Blancs. Most of this wine's appeal is visual, I feel. (JR)

Clear glass bottle with lots of greenery and an appearance not unlike this house's Belle Epoque. Very light nose and masses of acidity on the palate. Not a great finish. This tastes rather more youthful and simple than its price would suggest. (JR)