Champagne Charles Ellner Brut Réserve

A baked apple pie flavor — with all the ripe apple, pastry crust, nutmeg, anise and cinnamon notes — runs through this well-meshed Champagne, which is enlivened by fresh, almost lightly chalky acidity and good cut overall, with a smoky finish. Drink now through 2016.

An opulent Champagne, with mushroom, toast and honey aromas and flavors. Appealing, this draws you in with its lush texture and supple mousse. Fine length, with a long vanilla- and honey-tinged aftertaste. Drink now.

Rich and medium-weight, offering citrus and ginger flavors, with a touch of honey. It holds together well, with a mouthwatering finish. There’s lovely ripeness overall, with a firm structure underneath. Drink now.

Riddling, or “remuage” as the French call it, is the process of turning champagne bottles in the cellar. Doing so not only ensures proper secondary fermentation but also slowly sifts the lees (dead yeast) towards the bottles neck to be expelled later on (as is necessary in the méthode Champenoise). Riddling is where Charles Ellner began his work with champagne. His house, in turn, has crafted this very fine product. It is 40% Pinot Noir and 60% Chardonnay and has notes of spice, tropical fruit, honey and a touch of butter on the palate. Not only will you reward yourself with this wonderful champagne but you will also honor those who, like Charles Ellner, spent hours meticulously turning these bottles for your future enjoyment.