Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs 2015

The Blanc de Blancs 2015 is notable for its very pale gold hue, delicately tinged with green tints and set off by a steady bead of fine bubbles. The first nose is expressive and powerful, offering up an array of fragrances blending lemon zest and pastry. Its creamy evolution creates a lovely, luscious character. After breathing, the wine exudes complex aromas of mocha and cocoa, followed by notes of confectionery and fresh butter combined with the scent of orange zest with a remarkable elegance. The palate reveals buttery notes with hints of patisserie. Hazelnut liqueur and toasted overtones then gradually come through to complete this aromatic profile, which is imbued with a lovely tangy freshness. This is a rich, luscious champagne combining power and finesse.

After the pillowy, chiseled 2013, Pol Roger's 2015 Brut Blanc de Blancs is cut from richer, broader cloth. Offering up aromas of crisp golden orchard fruit, white flowers and subtle hints of warm biscuits, it's full-bodied, broad and vinous, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and a precise, chalky finish. In style, it's reminiscent of a somewhat more sun-kissed version of the 2012 rendition.