Arlaux Premier Cru Grande Cuvee Champagne

60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay

The Arlaux family acquired the vineyards and estate that were to become their eponymous Champagne house in 1792, when the property was seized from the Royal Abbey of Saint-Remi post-revolution.  It wasn't until 1826 that they produced their first bottle of Champagne.  In A Wine Spectator blind tasting of NV Champagnes, Arlaux beat out, Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut NV, Taittinger Brut Reserve NV, Pol Roger Reserve Brut NV, Laurent-Perrier Brut NV, Louis Roederer Brut Premier!

On the nose you'll fina a delicate balance of orchard fruits (apple, pear) and rich autolytic notes, including brioche, toasted hazelnuts, buttered bread, and vanilla cream.  The Palate is Medium-bodied and creamy, with prominent flavors of ripe fruit, citrus (lemon curd), and baked pastry.  12.5% ABV