Only made in exceptional years, this vintage Champagne is 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, aged more than 10 years on lees in the chalk cellars beneath the village of Meurville.

2012 is considered one of the best vintages of the past 25 years. It was rainy and wet April-July with a hot August and warm, dry September. Wines from 2012 have strong aging potential and are considered some of the best. This champagne spent 1 year aging as still wine, 4 years on lees, then rested 7 more before release. After 13 years in the bottle, it will evolve after opening. It’s impressively crisp and fresh when opened, and within minutes the complexity of age shows with aromas of golden apple, lemon, peach, orange peel, almond, brioche, and nougat. A soft and round texture with the crispness of acidity shows how well it has aged, like someone dressed head to toe in a well-planned outfit who easily passes for 10 years younger than they are.

With richness and depth, this can handle bolder dishes: a roasted chicken and cream sauce, a nice risotto, grilled salmon with beurre blanc, or aged cheeses. Of course, it’s just as enjoyable with buttered popcorn and Netflix.

Christian et Anne Etienne founded the estate in the 70s, but the land has grown vines for generations. With six kids, this is already a multi-generational estate. The family estate of 9 hectares (22 acres) is in the southernmost region of Champagne, with vines meticulously cared for using sustainable organic practices. They produce five to six different cuvées each year but only release vintage cuvées in years they consider exceptional. With several award-winning releases to their name, they are a family and grower to watch for.