NV Rare Wine Co. Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru

100% Chardonnay from east-facing vineyards with chalk soils. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel tanks for around 14 days at up to 18 °C, followed by malolactic conversion for 85% of the juice. The wine was then aged on fine lees for nine months prior to bottling, with a further five years of ageing in bottle following second fermentation. Winemaker Gilles Marguet. TA 4.5 g/l, pH 3.1, RS 9 g/l. Bottle weight 745 g. Vegan, natural cork. Available in Waitrose Cellar only. A fine, focused Blanc de Blancs. The Chardonnay really drives everything here – fresh, structured, mineral, precise. Always seems to deliver consistent (high) quality at a very fair price. (AWH)

A wonderfully creamy, round blanc de blancs that has almond-blossom, white-flower, peach, brioche and pie-crust aromas. The bubbles are silky and soft. Elegant. 100% chardonnay. 85% 2019, with 7.5% 2018 and 7.5% 2016 reserve wines. Disgorged August 2023. 7.2g/L dosage. Drink now.

Empty bottle 745 g. 100% Chardonnay from east-facing vineyards with chalk soils. The vineyards are farmed sustainably with minimal intervention and with most work carried out by hand. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks for around 14 days at up to 18 °C, followed by malolactic conversion for 85% of the juice. The wine was then aged on fine lees for nine months prior to bottling, with a further five years of ageing in bottle following secondary fermentation. Winemaker Gilles Marguet. Natural cork closure. TA 4.5 g/l, pH 3.1, RS 9 g/l. Vegan. Available in up to 200 shops. Lots of development on the nose. Not for those looking for sprightliness but great for those who appreciate mature champagne. Lemon sherbet and depth of flavour. Fair value considering its age. (JR)