Drappier, Millésime Exception, Champagne, France, 2012

2012 suffered from a severe hailstorm which decimated crops, but the surviving grapes were of good quality. 50% of the base wine, as well as the liqueur de tirage and liqueur d'expédition, were matured in oak The resulting wine has a biscuity, toasty nose with a streak of fresh lemon, and it's also very lemony on the palate, cutting through its rich brioche and lees character. Oak tannins lend it some structure, and the acidity is very bright, giving this vintage expression fantastic balance.