Despite the 29 year age, this 1995 harvest year is still very vibrant and fruity and with excellence of age displayed.

Opening the bottle there is plenty of pressure against the cork as we slowly release a whisper of air from the bottle. Bottle was given 15 minutes in the room post opening. The glasses chosen were wide bowled Lehmann.

There is a slight warmer light golden colour to the wine and the bubbles were pleasingly tiny with small perlage across the base area of the glass.

Aromas were bold still showing yellow fruit flesh, a caramel fresh oak, woody spices, chalky paste, dried white floral. The aromas persisted and intensified as the wine reached room temperature.

Flavours showed a decent initial acidity of fresh white fruits / candied lemon / walnut skin. Palate was initially tightened though very quickly relaxed to show layers of flavours - A light brioche loaf, white fruit flesh, soft honey notes and more. I also experienced Brazil nut and a close with a hint of saline to refresh the palate perfectly to lead to that next sip.

The complexity tells you it is an older Champagne, but the freshness acts as a big face lift!

For me, personal preference of course, I felt the sips that were enjoyed most were as we patiently allowed the wine to rest in the glass and for it to reach room temperature. Yes, nothing worse that warm Champagne, but the chill hide some hidden secrets possibly!

The wine was far too good for the extra creamy Brie that I had placed out to accompany it.