2017 Champagne Claude Cazals, La Chapelle du Clos, Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, Oger, Brut

This is a beautiful wine from a complicated vintage – 2017 in Mesnil-sur-Oger was one of storms and heavy rains, and an early harvest to avoid frost risk. Luckily these grapes are sheltered by the eponymous walled vineyard just behind Madame Cazal’s chateau, from old, low-yielding vines planted in the 1980s.

Only 4000 bottles were produced, and 10% of the wine was aged in oak barrels for 10 months. The result is an incredibly fresh nose of nectarine and buttery brioche, with an energetic, lively palate brimming with apples and citrus peel. As with all Delphine’s wines, the texture is velvety soft and the structure is stunning, meaning this wine is delicious to drink now until 2036. 

Katie Merry, Assistant Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd