2006 Le Mesnil Prestige

As the name suggests, this is Le Mesnil’s prestige cuvee – made from the very best fruit and released with extra ageing on its lees – and it really is a step up in elegance and finesse, even compared to the fantastic vintage and non-vintage Blanc de Blancs cuvées that have proved such a hit in recent years. With no malolactic, this retains all its mineral and acidic zing, with amazing fruity richness from the ripe vintage Grand Cru Chardonnay. There is really nothing here not to like! A gorgeously expressive nose of peaches and honey drenched apricots – this jumps out of the glass with youthful fruitiness and vibrancy, despite its maturity. The palate is superbly elegant and fine – with pithy grapefruit, mineral tension and dazzling focus and buzzing acidity, that transforms into creamy mango and salted caramel notes on the finish. Notes of appetisingly bitter sage and almonds mingle in, adding complexity and a really elegant and moreish edge. Richness and razor-sharp focus are perfectly balanced. This is delicious and very satisfying.