Moet & Chandon 2013 Grand Vintage Extra Brut

"Bright pale yellow with glimmers of green. Fine, dynamic bead. Initial floral notes of linden, honeysuckle and acacia with citrus nuances evocative of bergamot and mandarin orange zest along with a dash of anise and green tomato. Following are notes of just-ripe stone fruits—white peach, nectarine and Mirabelle plums. The bouquet is completed by gentle scents of pastry, brioche, frangipane, almonds and vanilla with a slight hint of white pepper. This vintage is vivacious and lively. The underlying acidity orients the linear, focused palate; the tautness is enveloped and channeled by the texture of succulent notes of white fruits which envelop and channel the freshness toward a vibrant, mouth-watering finish with a lingering note of citrus fruit." —winemaker

"Disgorged in February 2018 with five grams per liter dosage, Moët's 2012 Extra Brut Grand Vintage is showing well, unfurling in the glass with an expressive bouquet of ripe yellow orchard fruit, peaches, toasted nuts, warm bread and honeycomb. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a tangy but ripe core of fruit, nicely integrated acids and a pinpoint mousse, concluding with an attractively fruit-driven finish. The 2012 reflects both the concentration of the vintage and Moët's push for riper fruit, and it is already quite accessible." —Wine Advocate