2002 Pierre Péters Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Speciale Les Chetillons Grand Cru

Drunk from magnum from the original disgorgement, Péters's 2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons is showing beautifully, offering up aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, brioche, fresh hazelnuts and tangerine oil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping palate that's exceptionally pure and charming, its vibrant core of fruit animated by a pillowy mousse.

The 2002 Brut Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons, the original release and aged on crown seal, is tremendous. Wow. Ample, sweeping and dramatic, the 2002 is utterly captivating. Smoke, graphite, ash, apricot jam and pastry are some of the many nuances that come alive in the glass, with a top note of reduction that is very appealing. On this day, the regular release is just a touch ahead of the Oenothèque. It’s hard to say exactly why that is, but I suspect that the post-disgorgement time is optimal. This is the finest bottle of the 2002 I have ever tasted. Disgorged July 2010.

Two great Champagnes to start. What could be better? The 2002 Pierre Peters Special Cuvée Les Chetillons was rich, textured and quite generous. I loved it.