The NV (2019) Brut Cuvée Ste.-Anne is fabulous. Rich, ample and layered, the Brut Cuvée Ste.-Anne hits all the right notes. I especially admire its vinous intensity and overall resonance. Dried pear, flowers mint, white pepper and lemon confit are some of the many notes that grace this exquisite Champagne from Alexandre Chartogne. It's great to see this bottling - one of my perennial favorites - bounce back from a lackluster showing last year. Best of all, Cuvée Ste.-Anne remains an exceptional value in the world of fine grower Champagne. This release is based on 2019. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2022.

Based on the 2018 vintage and disgorged in March 2021 with five grams per liter dosage, Chartogne's newly released NV Brut Sainte Anne reveals inviting aromas of pear, white peach, fresh bread and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, it's seamless and enveloping, with a generous core of fruit, lively acids and a pillowy mousse. It's a lovely wine that wears its heart on its sleeve.

The NV Sainte Anne Brut – a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay, so no Meunier anymore – is entirely sourced in Merfy, the village where the domaine is based. This youngest release includes the 2013 harvest (65%) and has been blended with 2012, 2011 and 2010. Pure, lean and complex on the palate, this is a very elegant, straight and pretty firmly structured cuvée that finishes with a lingering salinity and tension. Very well structured, with good length. At this price, it is a Must Try.

Chardonnay 50%, Pinot Noir 40%, Pinot Meunier 10% Biscuity, toasted nut aromas. Praline, apple pie and touch of strawberry. Crisp, clean, good intensity. Citrusy palate. Fine bubbles. Medium-long finish.

50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier on vineyards with a high percentage of sandstone. Base 2021. Dosage 4 g/l. Disgorged August 2023. Lemon zest and gorgeous folds of lime and lemon, pomelo and bergamot. Even though it's very citrusy, it delivers (vertical) comfort rather than (horizontal) speed. Good rounded concentration and vivacity. (TC)