Jose Michel, Special Club Brut

)- wounderful - apples, butter, spice, velvety feel in the mouth-

$31.99 retail, after discount. I opened this after a fairly uninspiring half bottle of Duval-Leroy (see TN), and this wine clearly demonstrates how terrific a top grower Champagne can be for basically the same price. This wine blows the doors off the D-Leroy. Aromatics of honey, lemon, and light toast. Large-scaled and downright explosive on the palate, with a profile not unlike a good Puligny or Meursault: honey, lemon, light vanilla and minerals, with terrific balance (though quite concentrated), and …

$39.99 retail. Smokey with a smoked meat note initially. With time open the smoke faded, and a more honeyed, nutty, mature component emerged. Light red fruit as well. Fairly large-scaled, though well-balanced. Great texture - on the back end especially, where it has a Krug-like finish, IMO. Quite impressive.