Incredible old champagne from a legendary vintage, showing aromas and flavors of dried apples and pineapple with balsamic undertones and sweet croissants. It's full-bodied with caramel, salted butter and pie crust as well as tarte tatin. Searing, vibrant acidity. Phenolic and powerful. Wonderful tasting experience. Dry at the end. Disgorged January 2024. Drink now. 1,000 bottles made.

A bright golden color, the medium-bodied 1996 Champagne Louis XV Brut is a brighter hue than the 1995, with more elegance and refined length, as well as a more focused feel. With a ripe texture and more white fruit, it feels as though it has a lot of life to give and will only improve with air. More of a dessert wine, the mousse is seductive, creamy, and delightful. Disgorged in 2022.

The 1996 Brut Miilésimé Louis XV, made from half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, presents dried cep mushroom and mushroom duxelles with an overtone of parmesan rind, showing deeply earthy evolution on the nose, all wrapped in a cloud of caramel. These flavors fill the palate, where the famed 1996 acidity shines brightly, briefly pulling focus before allowing the flavors to melt into each other. The finish is deeply savory, with a strong and lasting umami notion that enfolds immense woodland savoriness of dried cep and shiitake. Drink soon. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. - Anne Krebiehl MW

Hints of oyster shell and truffle mark the age of this satiny Champagne, but there's still enough well-knit acidity to keep this fresh, focusing the subtle notes of toasted almond, dried golden currant, fleur de sel and crystallized honey. Distinctive. Drink now through 2019. 500 cases made. –AN