The NV Cuvée Louis Brut Nature (2002–2003) is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in equal parts and is based on the harvests 2003 (60%) and 2002 (40%). Disgorged in March 2018, the nose is pure and full of crushed stones and tropical fruits. The palate is fresh, tight, closed and tensioned, with a very pure, salty and tensioned finish. This is far too young for now but promising. Tasted winter 2019.

Disgorged in February 2019 and based on the 2002 and 2003 vintages, the NV Cuvée Louis Extra Brut derives from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the lieu-dit Les Crayons and fermented in barrel. Offering up aromas of crisp orchard fruit, dried citrus rind, wheat toast and licorice, it's full-bodied, layered and enveloping, with considerable depth and complexity, concluding with a precise and saline finish. It's a lovely rendition of this serious bottling and comes warmly recommended.

North Berkeley is to be credited for bringing the Tarlant Champagnes to America. The superb NV Cuvée Louis Brut is reminiscent of a grand cru white Burgundy with bubbles. The wine exhibits a buttery, toasty, smoky nose with background notes of honey and roasted nuts. With great fruit, a persistent effervescence, and tiny pinpoint bubbles, this is a terrific, fresh, pure Champagne that well-informed sources tell me comes completely from the 1990 vintage, a year destined to be one of the all-time great Champagne vintages. It should drink well for 5-10 years. North Berkeley Wines, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910 and (800) 266-6585; fax (510) 848-0841

The NV Cuvée Louis Brut is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 1998, 1997 and 1996 vintages. Smoke, dried apricots, hazelnuts, oranges and exotic spices come together beautifully in this striking, sensual Champagne. The Cuvee Louis captures a gorgeous balance and harmony from start to finish. The aromas and flavors show the complexity of barrel aging and extended time on the lees, but there is more than enough freshness and sheer verve to provide balance. This crystalline, impeccably pure Champagne is one of the best finest wines I have ever tasted from Benoit Tarlant. The Cuvee Louis was bottled in May 1999 and disgorged in October 2011. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019. Importer: Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; (914) 954-6583