Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Premier Cru

As always, one the standard bearers of the NV category; with 20% white grapes, the color in the glass has great depth, with a fine gold tint, and elegant mousse; the nose is dominated by fresh tree fruit, with a hint of exotic spice; the palate reflects the nose with a lingering balanced finish.

A classy, elegant style of Champagne with a tart, steely structure and firm, tight flavors. Very dry and a bit closed down, but the length and concentration suggest some wonderful development ahead. This style of Champagne would benefit from cellaring; at least four or five years would be optimal.

Pale color. Pristine aromas of lemon rind, toast and nut oils. Frothy, creamy and ripe in the middle; strong and concentrated but not at all heavy. Lovely toasty complexity. Firm and youthful, yet it softened quickly in the glass. this boasts impressive material and Burgundian complexity, and really clings to the palate on the aftertaste. Last year’s bottling of this wine is distinctly mediocre; make sure you get the current release, which sports a new label.

A coconut streak stands out immediately, then there’s a vertical wall of stone, citrus and licorice. I like the intensity and the definitive spices that layer this wine; it’s not shy or pedestrian. The style may or may not suit you, but it’s well worth exploring. It finishes up crisp, with a green, citrusy lift.

A rich version, with vanilla, toast and nut aromas and flavors. Starts out soft, yet there’s bright acidity and a long, precise finish. Drink now through 2011.

Open from the beginning, with aromas of pear and aple. The palate is straightforward and likable, with semi-sweet apple and citrus flavors. Good acidity and balance keep it upright, and the finish is long, it’s where you get the essence of the wine’s sweet-ish dosage.

Creamy, with caramel tones in the flavor spectrum, along with apricot, grapefruit and a touch of mineral. The mousse is assertive, helped along by a chalky feel on the finish. Drink now.

A fruit-driven wine, with aromas of dried apples, pineapple and citrus, even a bit of honey. Flavors verge on tropical, but it boasts a creamy texture and a crisp, dry finish. A bit New World in style, but well done.

Attractive candied berry, beeswax, lanolin and honey notes make this bubbly intriguing. Yet the supple and vibrant structure is what drives the flavors to a lingering conclusion.

Feuillatte is a large négociant operation based in Chouilly. the NV Brut Blue Label is a tasty, entry-level wine with attractive candied notes to the ripe yellow fruit. This mid-weight wine offers good length and balance in an accessible style. The is lot: 0440808:18 L031761, disgorged on February 8, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008–2010.

This champagne has the aroma of fine French pastry, especially almonds, hazelnuts, apples and pears. Wonderfully dry with the impact of rich, ripe fruit. Elegant and well balanced. Savor this elegant Champagne with pâté, grilled salmon, desserts or simply with a great piece of cheese.