Beautiful interplay of vivacity and silkiness. Vibrant and phenolic, yet also supple with long, caressing layers of crushed almond, brown butter, apricot, praline, white chocolate and hints of sage. Really opens up. Fantastic integration. 100% new barrels from selected parcels of the Argonne forest.

The 2014 Argonne is the most delicate, nuanced and sculpted version of this Champagne yet. Then again, this cool, late-ripening year yielded wines more of energy and understatement than of power. That's exactly what comes through here. Lemon confit, mint, spice, pastry and a kiss of French oak are all beautifully knit together.

Gingerbread and honey highlight the mellow apple flesh on the nose. Highlights of caramel and candied citrus set accents. The palate is smooth, round, super-salty, with notions of corn husk, rye crust and an edge of miso on salted Golden Delicious flesh. a very layered, complex Champagne with a clean-cut, salty and very visceral umami finish.