VM 94 JS 93

The NV Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742 (2014 base) has really opened up since I last tasted it about a year ago. The Pinot is so expressive in the No. 742, a Champagne built on texture and resonance. Dried pear, dried flowers, plum and spice fill out the wine’s frame effortlessly, but the 742 truly shines with a bit of air, which seems to accent its freshness. Readers looking for a fine grower Champagne to drink now will find much to like. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Disgorged January 2019.