BH 93 (10/2007): This is a more elegant and perhaps more feminine wine compared to the Special cuvee and I was struck by just how youthful this is even at 8 years of age. Indeed this is almost a shame to open it now as the nose and flavors very much need more bottle age to really blossom and develop and while it would not be fair to say that they are one-dimensional, the potential on display here is evident. I would suggest cellaring this for at least another 5 to 6 years and 10 to 15 is not out of the question for those who enjoy well-aged examples. An excellent Champagne but patience is absolutely required. Drink 2012+.
 
VM 93 (12/2007): Pale straw. Vibrant, exotically perfumed bouquet evokes fresh pear and nectarine, with a wild spicecake quality adding complexity. Cinnamon-accented orchard fruit flavors are strikingly precise and palate-coating. Delivers Outstanding concentration and finesse and finishes with superb persistence.
 
WA 92 (12/2008): The 1999 La Grande Annee is a refined, elegant wine with pretty, exotic notes of apricots, peaches, honey, flowers, smoke and toasted oak. There is notable clarity and precision, in a style that is generous and approachable. The 1999 La Grande Annee is 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay, of which 82% came from grand cru vineyards while 18% came from premier cru sites spanning a total of 16 villages. The wine was aged in oak and dosage was 7-9 grams. This bottle was disgorged in July, 2007. I also tasted the February, 2008 disgorgement which showed a more opulent, quality that I found utterly sensual and irresistible. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014. CW 90-92 (1/2009): An open and rather fruit filled nose greets me with scents of orange marmalade, apples, spunky/nutty citrus laced oak, and a hint of dough. The palate is just as open for business as the nose and batches of rich, bold, fruit flavors invite me to join their party. Citrus infused biscuit dough mixes with hints of sherry laced apple cider and leads into a long and slightly creamy and prickly apple pie finish. The longer this stays open the bolder the biscuit and pie crust flavors get, but the fruit is right there to keep it all nicely in balance. What can I say except that this Champagne will take you for a ride and is guaranteed to please. RJ 90-94 (4/2011): The 99 is super-gorgeous with lovely balance and easily accessible creaminess, even now with chocolate and nutty undertones. Will certainly keep for a very long time and should, despite its early charm, be stored for at least five more years before being consumed.