Brochet-Hervieux Champagne 1er Cru 1999

A markedly complex nose with layered suggestions of yeasty toast, brioche, baked yellow apple, pear and caramel and a sherry-like maturity. Round with excellent replays and an alluring mature note on the palate though it still maintains a bite of freshness and vivacity. A great wine for marking a special anniversary: serving older Champagne is truly giving the gift of time in a bottle. (VINTAGES panel, March 2014)