2016 Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne Cote de Val Vilaine Blanc de Noirs

Disgorged without dosage in April 2018, the NV Blanc de Noirs Côte de Val Vilaine (2016) is showing superbly, unfurling in the glass with an inviting bouquet of pear, green apple, lemon oil, mandarin, beeswax and warm bread. On the palate, it's full-bodied and ample but incisive, with an enveloping core of charming fruit, lively acids and a long, chalky finish. Despite its expansive, vinous profile, it's brilliantly focused. Cédric Bouchard's Val Vilaine is his cuvée that has made the most qualitative progress in the last five years—its yields have halved, bringing it in line with his other cuvées at around 25 hectoliters per hectare—and the 2016 is the best to date. (WK) Review Date: August 2019