For Déthune’s 2012 Grand Cru (they produce several vintage-dated bottlings but this is their “official” millésime cuvée), they relied on 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir from their premium parcels in Grand Cru Ambonnay. Again, they only craft a Millésime in the absolute best years, and only the finest fruit from their declared vintage makes it into their impressive cellar. The grapes fermented (both alcoholic and malolactic) and briefly aged in massive oak tuns before bottling without filtration. After spending over nine years on lees, the newest batch was disgorged in 2022 with a five-gram dosage.

As spectacular as this Grand Cru Champagne is now—full of creamy textures, lush yellow fruits, and supercharged with crushed minerality—I cannot wait for its future. It’s already revealing rich, delicious notes of toasted almond, brioche, lemon curd, yellow peach, pomelo, and oyster shell, all of which are bound to evolve and expand over the coming years. If you take my advice and purchase three bottles, I strongly suggest uncorking one every 1-2 years. Be patient and you’ll be handsomely rewarded. Cheers!