The 1989 Clos du Mesnil, from a warmer year, makes for a fascinating contrast to the cool inward 1988. It is a bigger, fatter wine that caresses the palate with layers of expansive, generous fruit. Sweet scents of caramel, hazelnuts and honey add complexity to the fruit. Despite its burnished, textured fruit, the 1989 remains light on its feet and superbly well-balanced but it is at, or close to, peak. To put things in perspective, the 1989 was harvested at the beginning of September -- the 7th and 8th to be exact -- while the 1988 was harvested between September 30th and October 2nd. (AG)

Similar in style to the 1982, this is a rich, ripe Chardonnay Champagne with loads of toasty, nutty, honeyed flavors backed by exotic tropical fruit and floral notes. A creamy-smooth texture carries through to a lingering finish.