2015 'Terra Nostra', Champagne Pierre Courtois
The moment you pour, you know this is no ordinary champagne. A beautiful rich, golden hue hints at maturity, as do the fine threads of persistent fizz.
On the nose, it's just incredible. Aromas of freshly cut seeded sourdough bread, dark cocoa, nougat, a touch of marzipan, and a cool minerality. There's a real synergy to the way these aromas materialize, not barging one another out of the way but rather slowly, elegantly unfurling. It's a pleasure to take the time to appreciate the aromatic makeup.
The palate has a hard act to follow, but wow, just the slightest sip and you experience a wonderful fusion of baked apple, notes of oatmeal, a touch of pastry, mature orchard fruit, and an almost sweet mineral salinity. The orchard fruit is ripe and crunchy but delicate, the oatmeal warming and textural, and the minerality zippy and palate-cleansing. On the finish, tremendous length, and complexity. What a wine!
I've been fortunate to taste several of the world's finest sparkling wines, many of which at several times the price of 'Terra Nostra'. As such, it's what makes Courtois' effort such a masterpiece both in terms of sheer drinking pleasure and unrivalled value for money. Seriously, don't miss this.