The nose has very refined aromas bringing to mind morning dew and springtime. It is tied together with subtle scents of lime flowers, acacia, hawthorn, and delicate fresh citrus fruit.

On the palate, the attack is fresh and straightforward. The wine develops the same notes as the nose, however there is a stronger presence of fruit and moderate mineral notes.

The finish is beautifully fresh, extending the pleasurable taste of this very elegant vintage.

Food Affinity: Preferably served as an aperitif, it pairs well with oysters, shellfish, sushi, lobster, and white fish. It also goes marvelously with grilled prawn salad and peas or seafood ravioli.

"The nose of Deutz's 1998 Blanc de Blancs brought to mind the sumptuously ripe and juicy Royal Riviera Pears produced and marketed by Oregon's Harry & David. Armed with superb richness and depth, this wine is Puligny-Montrachet-like in its glorious pear and floral flavors. Notes of toasty yeast appear in its exceptionally long, silky finish."
94 Points, Wine Advocate #162
Pierre Rovani

• 1998 Cuvee William Brut (search item no. 99744)

When René Deutz and Alfred Geldermann inherited the business from their fathers in the late 1860s, sales of their Champagne had been consistently rising for years. Deutz took its place among the great Houses of Champagne when it became a founding member of the Syndicat des Grandes Marques.

Today, Deutz upholds the traditions of fine champagne-making handed down through five generations. The past and present live contentedly together at Aÿ, merging tradition and technology to create elegant champagnes in the timeless Deutz style.