Since the first ever vintage of this wine, crafted initially in 1921 and first released to the world over a decade later in 1936 – this has been Champagne’s most emblematic bottle. This 2013 vintage, one that the current chef du caves says was the last classic vintage for the region, steps up to the plate and delivers in the most spectacular way.

This top cuvèe is only released in the best years and exclusively with fruit from Grand Cru villages. Richard Geoffroy, the legendary chef du cave at this estate, presided over this vintage, continuing to take risks and boldly craft wines as if he was at the helm of a small grower-producer instead of part of a large house that produces millions of bottles.

This was his last vintage as he retired in 2018. And what a vintage to go on! The 2013 will go down in the annals of history as one of the greatest vintages in Champagne history, and it was perhaps the greatest of its decade. There was a long, cool growing season that preserved acidity and power, reminiscent of vintages of Champagne from 15-20 years ago. The summer was hot and dry, the sunniest on record.

Like the legendary 2008 vintage, the focus here is on an abundance of concentration and flavor, with the laser-like acidity that will allow it to develop over the decades. There are mirabelle plums, fresh peaches, lime zest, toasted almonds, with honeyed notes and warm, buttered pastries. On the finish, final flourishes of eucalyptus and licorice develop, with a saline thread that adds a tremendous depth of flavor and layer of complexity. It’s elegant and precise. 98 points for this monumental achievement, plus a smattering of other scores from all the top critics in the high 90s… this deserves to be in any hard-core collection. Especially at the sort of price we have today!!! Perfect to drink now, but also wonderful to age for many more years. I’m not alone in buying a few of these, am I? Of course not! Have at it, bubble monsters. So… did I make it easy enough to guess? Godspeed, Last Bubblers!