Tasting notes:

Under the direction of Chef des Caves, Carine Bailleul, the wines of Castelnau are packed with lightness, often dominated by the purity of Chardonnay. This example, from the excellent 2006 vintage, aged for over five years-minimum-on the lees, now shows a mid-gold colour with tiny bubbles and rich red berry fruit from Pinot Noir, enlivened by yellow apples from Chardonnay and accented by buttered brioche notes. Midweight, the Brut-style (7g/l r.s.) wine has fresh acidity and silky mousse texture to support the intense and lingering flavours across the palate. A mature wine and an excellent match for warm salmon mousse. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]