MOMENTS EXCEPTIONELS
Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d'Or Brut Vintage 1997

This is not a bottle for just any day or celebration. The House of Nicolas Feuillatte decided to encase the black dimpled bottle for this special vintage in its very own package, which sort of looks like a bowling pin—albeit a nice golden one. Everything else about this sophisticated wine with bubbles is golden, including the name, which means "palms of gold" en français. A pale golden color might lead you to think there is more Chardonnay, but au contraire; when you ingest the beverage with its fine mousse, you pick up the dominance of Pinot Noir (60 percent) from five Grands Crus: Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay, Ambonnay and Ay. The white juice also comes from Grands Crus vineyards in Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil. These are all magic words if you know Champagne. There is enough structure and roundness to pair it with lobster, but, of course, you could simply enjoy it for one of those moments exceptionels.

Rating: 17/20
Price: $120

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