Tasting notes:

 Champagne Leclerc Briant was founded in 1872 as an estate-based Domaine by Lucien Leclerc in the village of Cumières.  In 1955 Lucien\'s great-grandson Bertrand and his wife moved the business to Épernay, where it resides today, and at the same time changed its status to a Maison de Négoce. Rescued by American couple Mark Nunelly and Denise Dupré in 2012, today they are joined by Frédéric Zeimett, who leads the House. The Château d\'Avize is one of the single vineyard wines produced according to biodynamic principles. The wine is aged in oak barrels for at least 9 months before assemblage and then undergo extended period of lees ageing in the chalk cellars 35m below ground. A unique style, this wine is mid-gold in colour with a narrow, defined cordon. The aromatics are vibrant, showing cut pears, melon and caramelised apples with lime-marmalade notes and toasty autolysis. Brut Nature (or nearly with a mere 3g/l r.s.), the palate is layered and textured with the surprisingly full, rich flavours framed by crisp acidity and creamy mousse. Beautifully balanced and long, though still youthful, the wine will be delightful with a medieval-inspired recipe for salmon fillets napped by a currant-cream sauce spiked with nutmeg and cinnamon. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]