2006 Fallet Clos Du Mont has an expressive nose. There is a luscious presence of brioche, almond paste, and an orchard fruit tart. The taste is just as concentrated as the nose—adding substantial texture, weightiness, and filling length on all edges of the mouth. There is a slightly sweet flavor of apricot and almond scones, but the acidity is right behind with remarkable and endless flavor. The beads are small and graceful. This is pleasurable champagne to enjoy with savory dishes or a cheese course.

An absolute stunner, the 2006 Clos du Mont from Fallet-Dart has all the deep, toasty brioche that a person could ask for. This barrel-fermented beauty spends an astounding 12 years on the lees, yielding a champagne with a complex, alluring nose full of toasted almonds, candied lemon peel, and brioche. On the palate, I love its extraordinarily velvety texture coupled with flavors of ripe citrus. The finish, rich with toast, is nearly endless. Champagne this good will have you searching for any reason to celebrate!

Twelve years—TWELVE YEARS—on the lees for less than $100? Less than $75, even? Incredible. This is a sophisticated yet hugely accessible Champagne, with depth, texture, and a honeyed quality that's saved from being too rich by its snappy 80% Chardonnay. There is a backbone of acidity balanced by easygoing apple fruit on the palate, with that coveted toastiness through the finish. I first met Paul Fallet at K&L's Champagne Tent Event in 2017, where he charmed with his shy, sincere personality, then dazzled us with high quality wines. Fallet Dart is a great family-run Direct Import to support, but even without the backstory, I'd want to drink this delicious, complex Champagne. Plus, it's sourced from a clos, and based on the excellent 2006 vintage! We always have customers come late to this party, only realizing how special Clos du Mont is once our limited quantity is gone. Don't let that be you.