Tasted from magnum, the latest release of Palmer's NV Blanc de Blancs Brut is showing very well indeed, bursting from the glass with a ripe and expressive bouquet of grapefruit, orange zest, toasted bread, white flowers and nectarines. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with an elegantly textural attack, fine depth at the core, ripe but racy acids and a long, flavorful finish. This has always been one of Palmer's emblematic cuvées and this disgorgement—from early 2018—would appear to be a particular success. Founded in 1947 under the name Producteurs des Grands Crus de Champagne, Palmer & Co is one of Champagne's best quality-focused cooperatives, and having recently selected a new importer, they are making a concerted effort to court the US market. (WK)

This chardonnay has a classical beauty, the flavors sculpted out of fresh golden apples. It grows mostly in the Montagne de Reims (Trépail and Villers-Marmery) with a contribution from the Côte de Sézanne. The fruit is floral with scents of daffodils and apple blossoms, the texture luscious and round.

Alluring, toasty, reductive character with lemon-peel and nectarine aromas. The palate has a bold, fleshy serving of ripe, yellow peaches with handy freshness.