CHAMPAGNE | FRANCE | $37
Fresh straw and toasted almonds on the nose rewarding with flavors of tamarind, papaya, lemon zest, caramel, sandalwood and mild herbal notes. Wonderfully compact bubbles, clean and fresh on the palate, a creamy finish that lasts. It’s a breezy day at the seashore, sand between toes, warm salt air, cotton-ball clouds, dreams of sailing. Bubbly doesn’t get much better at under $40. A very good, near excellent wine. (Reviewed 7/14/12)