A vivacious Champagne, showing the balance to recommend this as an aperitif but the focus to pair with food. Well-cut acidity is integrated with the refined mousse and notes of ripe black cherry and blackberry paste, Meyer lemon peel, biscuit and white blossoms. The finish is lingering and mineral-driven. Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now. 2,500 cases imported.

Disgorged in May 2019, the latest release of Chiquet's supremely dependable NV Brut Premier Cru Tradition reveals an inviting bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh peach, honeycomb, Meyer lemon and warm biscuits. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with a youthfully frothy but refined mousse, a succulent core of fruit and ripe but racy balancing acids. It's already drinking well.

The NV Brut Tradition is creamy, supple and inviting, all qualities that make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Dried flowers, chamomile, mint, pastry and orchard fruit, along with more exotic overtones, give the Tradition its distinctive personality. The current release is based on the 2010 vintage. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2015.

Gaston Chiquet's nonvintage offering features a toastiness that testifies to its bottle aging. Along with that feeling of richness, it also contains balanced acidity. Full, crisp and lively, the fresh and fruity aftertaste is delicious.