L'ORMARINS BRUT CLASSIQUE NV

Tendrils of spice add nuance and allure to a nose packed with black berries, hedgerow fruit and some mocha notes. The palate is plush, rounded and pillowy but layered with dark fruitcake flavour, black cherry, baking spice and pencil shavings too. The mouthfeel is complemented by its overall stature and regal refinement. Balanced with seamless integration of oak and ripe, rich fruit with lovely succulence and freshness as well. Complex, supple and silky smooth, the wine is ultimately simply delicious with a superbly long tail.

Pale salmon hue, with generous bouquet of lime cordial, oyster shell, fresh sea breeze and apple. Tang of crunchy, crisp green apple and raspberry, vivacious and bright, are immediately apparent on the palate. Lively fizz and energy of the mousse lends additional appeal. Lime marmalade and citrus zest appear before a fantail of toasty brioche, sourdough and creamy lees unfurls. Poised, focused, dry and cohesive to the end.

A subtle floral hint lifts the rich nose of fruitcake, black berries, herb and peppery spice. Ripe, soft-textured and juicy black fruit is the first flavour in the mouth. Vibrant spice – nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon – then make their presence felt, followed by a creamy oak note. The wood, which is harmoniously knit with the fruit and fresh acid, lends both stature, frame and without taking over or dominating. Deeply rewarding with rounded mouthfeel and a long elegant tail. Genteel and refined.

Citrus leaf, nectarine and baked artisanal bread aromas mingle with notes of kelp and sea spray. Tangy, zippy and fresh entry with bright pops of lemon, grapefruit and orange zest. The palate is lively and energetic, courtesy of its vivid acidity, with a slight edge of limestone, oyster shell and flint lending a dryness. That brightness then makes way for an ample, richer, altogether more leesy, baked sourdough and yeasty breadth. Harmony of citrus fruit, acid and mature autolytic notes is impeccable and as a consequence, the genteel, elegant power of the wine is restrained and lengthy while clean and crisp.