Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles XXIPierre Paillards Les Parcelles XXI is Grand Cru Champagne rooted in Bouzy, one of the Montagne de Reims benchmark villages for Pinot Noir. Bouzys south facing slopes and chalk rich soils consistently yield wines with deeper red fruit character and a more vinous shape, while still finishing with the kind of clean, chalky tension that keeps everything in balance. The Paillard family has farmed here for generations, and their choices show a patient

and a gentle leafy greenness

Another 25% went into this

Domaine Mont Fournois Coteaux Champenois Vertus Premier Cru 2010

Drink 2022– 2031

because this is limestone and because Cabernet Franc can be impish

A very impressive behemoth

chalky tannins and a subtle iron-tinged earthiness that grounds the wine

the coconut arrives and the spice notes begin to reveal themselves

dried apricot and orange peel

silken tannins and mouthwatering acidity

Pax expressed his interest in creating a wine label designed as an ode to the iconic French winemaker

and was deeply impressed