Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne 2016

An immediacy of toasty-autolytic character with more chardonnay here and as always front and centre for Perrier-Jouët, joined by (45 percent) pinot noir and (5) meunier. Generally speaking a seven to eight year aging on lees for the vintage cuvée that first appeared in 1964. The white anemone art was created by Art Nouveau Master Emile Gallé in 1902. Champagne is rarely herbal but the 2016 delivers a sweet basil or chervil note and while there is a smoulder to the B-E Brut it’s also delicate despite impressive concentration while aided and abetted by some pretty fine mousse. Essential and lengthy to make one seriously grand understatement. Drink date: 2025-2038. Tasted April 2025. (Michael Godel,winealign.com)