1999 Amour de Deutz

(100% chardonnay; LA10503238, disgorged 11/18/08) Bright gold with a strong, abundant bead. A complex, expansive bouquet displays scents of orange, pear skin, tarragon, sweet butter and chalky minerals, plus a slow-building honeysuckle element. Lush, moderately weighty citrus and orchard fruit flavors stain the palate and are given spine by strong minerality. The finish repeats the orange note and delivers solid mineral- and floral-driven punch. This impressively balanced Champagne is just entering maturity and should hang around for at least another seven to eight years of cellaring.