Taittinger Brut Millesime 2016 (750ML)

A 9 g/L dosage lends Taittinger's 2016 Brut Millésime, the house's vintage cuvée, a rounded generosity that should settle further with bottle age. The fruit is mostly grand cru, with 30% from Villers-Marmery and Trépail. Ripe orange citrus, a hallmark of the year, sets the tone on the nose, joined by apple tart, roasted lemon, toasted nuts, pastry cream and a pinch of nutmeg. Chardonnay seems to lead the palate at this stage, bringing lemon custard, a long, fine bead and a finish that feels balanced rather than lean. In critics' view it is ready now and will hold for years. Set it beside tarragon roast chicken, aged Comté or buttery lobster rolls.