2018 Jean-Louis Dutraive (Domaine de la Grand'Cour) Fleurie Champagne Cuvée Vieilles Vignes

This southeast-facing parcel, where the bedrock breaks through the soil in places, has delivered another terrific wine with the 2018 Fleurie Lieu-dit "Champagne" Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, a superb bottling that soars from the glass with aromas of rose petals, cinnamon, raspberries, Griotte cherries and blood orange. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with the most energy of any cuvée in the cellar this year, fine tannins and a long, penetrating finish. It's a worthy successor to the incredible, vintage-transcending 2017 rendition.