NV Jacques Selosse, Blanc de Blanc, Cuvee Initial

"Disgorged in May 2021, the latest rendition of Selosse's NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Initial is showing beautifully, unwinding in the glass with aromas of pear, dried fruits, confit lemon, fenugreek, fresh bread and toasted almonds. Full-bodied, vinous and complex, it's a rich, fleshy Champagne that's underpinned by bright acids and complemented by a pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long, sapid finish. As usual, this bottling derives from the lower-altitude slopes of Avize, Cramant and Oger, where the soils are richer in clay and yields are higher when compared with the vineyards that inform V. O." ~ (94) William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 1-31-2022

"The NV Initial, a blend of vintages 2015, 2014 and 2013, is quite powerful and vinous. Orange peel, lemon confit, hazelnut, chamomile, licorice and dried flowers are all amplified in this dramatic, large-scaled edition of Initial. What a wat to start this tasting! Disgorged: May 12, 2021." ~ (94) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 11-1-2021