Collection Privée 1998

The Collection Privée 1998 from Beaumont des Crayères comes as a jeroboam holding three litres, limited to 350 numbered bottles. The wine was aged in oak barrels and comes 100 per cent from the Coeur de Cuvée, the best fraction of the must. The blend is 65 per cent Chardonnay and 35 per cent Pinot Noir. Despite its age it feels intense and fresh.

The nose is complex, and on the palate the champagne shows a spicy note, carried by creamy bubbles and a very long finish. Serve it at 10 to 12 °C in large white wine glasses that give the wine room. The large bottle suits tables with several guests and fine menus, for example with poultry, veal or mature cheese. The 1998 vintage is delivered in a wooden case, which also makes it a gift for special occasions.