Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial

A thread of minerally smoke, oyster shell and saline drives this refreshing Champagne, underscoring flavors of poached apricot, tangy blackberry, lemon curd and gingerbread as they ride the refined mousse. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now.

(roughly 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay; 9 g/l dosage; LAIBG): Light, bright yellow. Musky pear and toasty lees on the nose and in the mouth. Fleshy and open-knit, with a hint of bitter lemon pith adding back-end cut. Finishes on a gently smoky note, with very good cling and focus and a hint of bitter quinine. This must be the best example of this bottling that I've had in years, if not decades. In the past the Imperial Brut received a dosage of 12 g/l, but no more; in fact, there's talk that in the near future it may be dropped down as far as 7 g/l.

Tasted from magnum, the NV Champagne Imperial Brut is based on the 2018 vintage and displays a rich straw/golden color, while the nose is ripe with aromas of baked apples, graham spice, toast, and dusty earth. Medium-bodied, the palate is generous and fruity, with an approachable feel. Very consistent on the palate, it’s like a fresh baked apple pie all the way through. Suitable for a wide range of occasions, it will be best enjoyed over the next few years. 7 grams per liter dosage.

Nicely complex aromas here, from dried apples, peaches and pears to candied citrus and brioche. It’s fruity, soft and rounded on the palate. Medium-bodied, lightly honeyed and balanced. Blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. Around 7g/L dosage. Tasted from magnum. Drink now.

Well balanced, this Champagne, even with its enormous production, remains a benchmark and is always enjoyable. In this bottling, ripe white fruit is cut with citrus, with an edge of toastiness that gives complexity. Drink now.

Based on the challenging 2017 vintage, the current release of Moët & Chandon's NV Brut Imperial was disgorged with seven grams dosage (representing a reduction of around 50% in the last 20 years) and contains an unusually high proportion of reserve wines. Offering up aromas of pear, peach and citrus oil mingled with hints of fresh bread and white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with racy acids and an enveloping core of fruit, complemented by a pinpoint mousse and concluding with a nicely defined finish. Impressively seamless, it's a fine rendition of one of Champagne's largest bottlings.