1996 Champagne R&L Legras, Cuvée Exceptionelle, St. Vincent

Aptly-named, L’Exceptionelle shows the heights to which Legras can ascend, helped no doubt by old Chardonnay vines and the outstanding 1996 vintage. Pears, lemon zest and white flowers greet the nose, then the palate assumes a richly honied texture, with a satisfying mineral mirror-bright acidity providing an underlying tension and cerebral satisfaction that will be resolved harmoniously on the finish.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)