1996 de Venoge Louis XV

A bright golden color, the medium-bodied 1996 Champagne Louis XV Brut is a brighter hue than the 1995, with more elegance and refined length, as well as a more focused feel. With a ripe texture and more white fruit, it feels as though it has a lot of life to give and will only improve with air. More of a dessert wine, the mousse is seductive, creamy, and delightful. Disgorged in 2022.

The 1996 Brut Miilésimé Louis XV, made from half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, presents dried cep mushroom and mushroom duxelles with an overtone of parmesan rind, showing deeply earthy evolution on the nose, all wrapped in a cloud of caramel. These flavors fill the palate, where the famed 1996 acidity shines brightly, briefly pulling focus before allowing the flavors to melt into each other. The finish is deeply savory, with a strong and lasting umami notion that enfolds immense woodland savoriness of dried cep and shiitake. Drink soon. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. - Anne Krebiehl MW

This is really complex, old Champagne with puff-pastry, dried-apple, spice and salted-nut aromas and flavors. Full body. Ultra fine bubbles with an extremely fine and creamy mouth feel. Extreme edge to it. This spent 21 years on the lees. Disgorged in 2018. Every year they disgorge 3,000 bottles.