A solid and fresh Champagne with a lemony, apple and creamy character. Fine texture to the bubbles. Medium body. Delicious finish. Very dry. No dosage. Drink now.

Pale gold. Nervy lime, ginger and floral scents, with suggestions of iodine and tarragon. Tightly wound, mineral-driven citrus fruit flavors put on weight with air and take a turn to deeper nectarine and pear. Unfolds slowly on the finish, hanging on with excellent tenacity and resonating mineral and floral notes.

This aromatic Champagne shows lovely balance. Firm and fresh yet fine and lacy in texture, with crunchy white peach, pineapple, grapefruit zest, biscuit, lemon curd, grated ginger, floral and herb notes expanding nicely through the chalky finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged May 2023. Drink now through 2029. 150 cases imported.

Ayala specializes in dry Champagnes and this is their extreme example. It has the right amount of bottle age to soften the intense acidity and bring in some toastiness and fruit. It can be drunk now, but a few more months in bottle would make it even better.