Varnier-Fannière 'Grand Vintage' Brut

Score

93

"The 2012 Grand Vintage is just gorgeous. It is also the most aromatic and nuanced of these wines. White flowers, mint, peach and spice all infuse the 2012 with striking complexity. The natural breadth and richness of the year comes through in a soft, silky, beautifully perfumed Champagne that will drink well right out of the gate."

Score

94

"The 2010 Brut Grand Vintage opens in the glass with a complex and compelling bouquet of ripe lemons, gingerbread, green apple, oyster shell and sourdough. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with a broad, vinous attack, excellent amplitude, a fine mousse and a long, expansive finish. Characterful and complete, I tasted this lovely Champagne after a series of characterless cooperative bottlings—the contrast couldn't have been more stark. This bottle was disgorged in 2016."

Score

93

"The 2010 Grand Vintage is in a gorgeous spot right now. Exotic white flowers, mint, passionfruit, peach and almond give the 2010 wonderful layers of dimension that open up effortlessly with time in the glass. I wouldn't push my luck on aging, but the 2010 is incredibly delicious and inviting now. Disgorged: January 21, 2016."