2015 Champagne Georgeton-Rafflin Signature Grand Cru

From: Verzy, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceVarietal: Pinot Noir Taste: Simultaneously delicately fruity, equally deeply resonant, and balanced on a fine-tuned blade of precision, Georgeton-Rafflin’s ‘Signature’ encompasses the combination of intensity and tension indicative of Verzy. Juicy orchard and pit fruit flavors, candied red fruits, and notes of grapefruit with a hint of anise are accompanied by toasted almond brioche, dried honey, and baked red fruits over a core of chalky minerality. These aromas and flavors come to life once the bottle has been opened for about 20 minutes (don’t worry about putting the bottle back on ice; this is a champagne that’ll open like a still wine) and will continue to become prettier throughout the evening. This wine is stunning now but is an excellent example of an age-worthy champagne.  Pairing: The combination of red fruit, brioche, and chalky undertones makes me crave ham pairings. Croque-Monsieur or Madame’s, the classic glazed ham, the em