Champagne Philippe Glavier Blanc de Blancs Cramant Emotion Brut Grand Cru 2014

Philippe and Véronique Glavier have managed this quaint estate in the Grand Cru village of Cramant since 1995. Both hail from deep winegrowing families – Véronique represents the 12th generation of her family in nearby Monthelon, while Philippe is a third-generation vigneron. Together, they carefully tend just 4.5 hectares divided into 49 distinct plots across Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil. By farming and vinifying each micro-plot separately, they possess an artist's palette of Chardonnay expressions.

This 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay is gloriously toasty and rich, opening with a vibrant orange bouquet – think fresh-squeezed juice, zest, and warm marmalade – followed by roasted hazelnuts and oven-fresh sourdough. The wine's plush, luscious texture is brilliantly anchored by a persistent river-rock minerality, which gives way to layers of lemon meringue, pomelo, and golden apple. A final, sophisticated hint of peppery arugula lends a resounding brightness that carries the finish beautifully.

An extraordinary 79 months of aging on the lees provides profound nuance without sacrificing an ounce of the wine's electric verve. Disgorged with a precise 4 g/L dosage, the fruit is perfectly amplified, honing the laser-cut edges of this powerful Champagne. With over four years of bottle age on the cork, it is magnificently integrated and approachable right now, though a decade-plus of cellar development awaits the patient. I'm going to try my hardest to hide a bottle away... but it is simply too delicious to resist today! Grab yours before it’s gone for good.