Dramatic toast and smoke notes add to the graham cracker, white pepper, chamomile and citrus peel flavors in this dry, spice-driven Champagne. A subtle honey note gives a juiciness to the wine, balancing the firm, muscular acidity and leaving an elegant impression overall. Drink now through 2029. 415 cases made.

The 2004 Brut Grand Cru Vintage bursts from the glass with explosive red cherries, flowers and mint, all of which come together beautifully in a style that deftly balances richness and focus. The wine blossoms on the palate with endless layers of pure, crystalline fruit that lead to an impeccably fine, elegant finish. The round, harmonious 2002 is a great effort from Gatinois. The Brut Grand Cru Vintage is 90% Pinot Noir (predominantly Petit Pinot d- Ay) and 10% Chardonnay. The wine was vinified in stainless steel and bottled with 6 grams of dosage. It saw one more year of lees-aging than the current release of the Tradition. Disgorged: Summer, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.