J. Vignier "Silexus Sezannensis" Brut (2016 Base) NV

Vin Chicago: 93+ Points

(1/2025) Using fruit primarily from the 2016 vintage, Nathalie and Sebastian craft this non-vintage bottling from their holdings in Saudoy, a village in Champagne's southern Côte de Sézanne region. As the wine's name suggests, the soil here is filled with silex. The result is a complex Champagne with incredible fruit character. The classic green apple and lemon rind notes one would expect are here, and also cherry, spice cake, and white pepper. The wine was allowed a whopping 84 months of aging on its lees prior to disgorgement. That is nearly unheard of for a wine at this price, and the result is a luscious, joyful Champagne that we found nearly impossible to stop sipping.