Blueberries with violets, dark olives and a touch of charcoal. The palate has voluminous, pretty fruit restrained by some tight yet polished tannins. Concludes compact and firm. Best after 2026.

A dazzling new edition of this wine, the 2016 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne is a world-class combination of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay. This edition of ‘Cristal’ was given 7G/L dosage. Chalky minerals mark the nose alongside white grapefruit blossom, marzipan, star jasmine and suggestions of kumquat zest that all meld in the glass. The palate is filled with crushed seashells and wet salty stones that combine with rich melon, lemon rind and tangerine zest flavors that combine with suggestions of pastry crust on the palate. Big, round and generous, this exudes class in terms of length, tension and flavor density. A gorgeous wine in its heady youth, enjoy over the next twenty plus years to come. Drink 2025-2045.

Fresh and crisp to the point of being exacting, with echoes of sage surrounding a youthful, flinty frame. Tart lime coats the tongue, adding a dusty shiver of chalky oyster shell. Notes of dill with a twist of pure lemon blossom cleanse on the finish.

Stony, sleek, and steely, with notes of bread dough and lime chiffon. Superb acidity accents seashell and grapefruit seasoned with tarragon and chervil.

Lemon cookie, chamomile, and crème fraîche encircle a woodsy, soil-kissed serenity with each sip. Bright and charmant.