Bright yellow. Musky pear and peach pit aromas are complemented by notes of dried fig and buttered toast. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering bitter pear skin and pit fruit flavors and a touch of smokiness. Closes with firm grip, a hint of anise and lingering toastiness. This bottling received a dosage of nine grams per liter.

Floral and spice notes accent ripe Golden Delicious apple, almond biscotti, dried cherry and orange zest flavors in this creamy, balanced Champagne. Clean-cut and lightly juicy on the finish. Disgorged April 2015. Drink now through 2018.

The NV Brut Carte Blanche is a wonderfully rich, creamy entry-level wine laced with gorgeous Pinot fruit. This shows tons of Bouzy character. The 12 grams of dosage is felt in the wine's weight, but works beautifully here. With time in the glass, the bubbles dissipate, leaving a beautifully pure expression of fruit. The Carte Blanche is 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 60% from the 2007 vintage and 40% from 2006. The Pinot is from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Tours-sur-Marne, while the Chardonnay comes from Premier Cru vineyards in Tauxieres. This is Lot# 9815, disgorged March, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014.

Dominated by 75% Pinot Noir, this wine is ripe and structured. It has rich citrus fruit laced with apple and a touch of spice. With its tense and fruity aftertaste it's young wine and worth cellaring for a few more months.