A strong mineral character marks this Champagne aromatically. Candied berry and citrus flavors follow, punctuated by a lean, tart structure. Drink now through 2015.??–BS??Region: France / Champagne Select to Add

One of the few houses still to ferment in wood (Krug is another), Alfred Gratien cultivates an intense style of wine, which has toasty, buttery characters as well as richness. From 1997, this wine is lighter than other Alfred Gratien vintages, showing more acidity than richness, but there is still a stylistic similarity there. ——R.V.(11/1/2006)—— 93