Champagne Grande Reserve NV, Devaux

Founded in 1846 by the brothers Jules and Auguste Devaux, today Devaux is owned by the Union Auboise in the Côte des Bar– the heartland of Pinot Noir in Champagne. Physically closer to Chablis than Reims or Épernay, the vines grow on soils that have more in common with Burgundy, and produce excellent Pinot Noir. This is a blend of 69% Pinot Noir and 31% Chardonnay, and spends 36 months on lees. It's opulent, rich and textured but with lovely forest fruit and redcurrant notes from the Pinot Noir.