Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2018

Based on the Côte des Blancs, the Champagne home of Chardonnay, it's logical that this producer should make a fine Blanc de Blancs. This wine has all the attributes, with crisp apple and a mineral texture that is tightly prominent. This is a fine wine, just hinting at toastiness. Drink now. — Roger Voss

The latest release of Delamotte's NV Brut Blanc de Blancs, the house's emblematic bottling, is once again showing very well, bursting with aromas of citrus zest, freshly baked bread, nougat, crisp stone fruit and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse, it's a seamless, elegant wine that concludes with a flavorful finish.

A really fresh, exuberant and expressive chardonnay-based Champagne here that offers a nose of white peaches and lemon-lime citrus fruits. On the palate, there's a sorbet-like texture with lime and nectarine flavors that's smoothly arranged to precision. A gently nutty finish. Drink now.

The NV Champagne Blanc De Blancs is based on 80% 2017, with 20% reserve wine (a larger percentage that Delamotte has been using over the past several years due to climate change). The wine comes from the three villages of Avize, Oger, and Mesnil sur Oger and pours a pale but bright yellow hue. Expressive on opening, floral aromas as well as notes of poached pear, fresh honeysuckle, almond, and lemon sherbet lift from the glass. Medium-bodied, with a refined mousse, it has even acidity through the palate and has a chalky texture, with a good linear drive through the finish. With 7 grams per liter dosage, it’s attractively balanced and rounds out the palate in a lovely way. It has notable freshness for the vintage. Drink 2024-2034.