N/V Souffle d'Etoiles Grand Cru, Lamiable
A succesful handover between the generations has recently taken place between father Jean-Pierre and daughter Ophélie Lamiable at this small, promising domaine tucked up just north of Epernay. They are technically in the Vallée de la Marne, but quite honestly, so close to Bouzy they can almost count themselves on the Montagne de Reims. They enjoy a large proportion of old vines (the average age is 45 years, which is ancient in Champagne terms). The small volume they produce is the only thing not going for this cuvée, which offers up charm and delicious balance for a very reasonable price. It is a blend of perpetual reserve wine with recent vintages and has a bright, floral nose, followed but some steely depth beneath.