Vilmart "Émotion", Rosé Brut - 2014

Speaking to the hedonistic pleasure I get from drinking Vilmart & Cie Champagnes certainly gets me emotional. A vintage rosé sparkler comprised of 60% Pinot Noir Rosé de Saignée and 40% Chardonnay, Laurent Champs employs aging and fermentation in small barriques while restricting malo to create a broad-shouldered, structured Champagne. Its crisp intensity walks the line of beauty, precision, and power. This dense sparkler absolutely demands to be put on the table, with a dense mousse that feels like pins and needles pressing on the palate. Flavors of strawberry shortcake, tangerine, mint, crème fraîche, and pastry dough; this really encapsulates the sort of cuvée meant for drinkers who want a complex, engaging experience from their sparklers. Vilmart is truly exceptional.