The 2002 Brut Nature Vigne d'Antan is powerful and exotic, with notable aromatic and flavor intensity to match its deep, resonant personality. Mint, spice, hard candy and white flowers shape the finish in the Vigne d'Antan. This is is a rare, 100% Chardonnay planted on beach sand. Even so, the Vigne d'Antan offers notable richness and resonance. In my view, though, the first release with 2 grams of sugar, was the best. Disgorged: November 2015 with no dosage.

Enticing hints of honeycomb and candied kumquat on the nose continue on the finely detailed palate of this bright and elegant Champagne, enriching flavors of dried apricot, oyster shell and salted almond. Fresh and lightly zesty on the smoke-laced finish. Disgorged October 2016. Drink now through 2027. 15 cases imported.

From ungrafted Chardonnay vines on sandy soils, the 2002 La Vigne d'Antan Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs offers a rich and clear Chardonnay bouquet with ripe melon fruit and some lemon aromas but also, great purity that comes through even more prominent on the palate. Round and pure, with great finesse and minerality, this is a tension-filled Champagne with great expression and persistent length.