1995 Bruno Paillard NPU

The 1995 N.P.U.-Nec Plus Ultra is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from grand cru villages (Cramant. Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Verzenay and Bouzy) that was aged in French oak. This full-bodied wine shows outstanding depth in its ripe tropical fruit, honey and sweet toasted oak nuances. This is a wine that will appeal most to readers who enjoy a full-bodied style of Champagne, although I found it lacking some of the verve that characterizes the estate’s best wines. This bottle was disgorged in December, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. In just over 25 years Bruno Paillard has built an impressive domaine with plots in some of Champagne’s finest vineyards. Paillard favors a low-dosage style which gives the wine their signature cut and focus. Paillard’s back labels contain a variety of information, including the disgorgement date, a practice I wish were more common in Champagne. From top to bottom this is a very strong line-up of truly distinctive wines that also marks the debuts of several new bottlings. Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NJ tel. (914) 769-3000

The 1995 N.P.U.-Nec Plus Ultra is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from grand cru villages (Cramant. Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Verzenay and Bouzy) that was aged in French oak. This full-bodied wine shows outstanding depth in its ripe tropical fruit, honey and sweet toasted oak nuances. This is a wine that will appeal most to readers who enjoy a full-bodied style of Champagne, although I found it lacking some of the verve that characterizes the estate’s best wines. This bottle was disgorged in December, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Dec 2008, www.robertparker.com