This is delicious. Steely with salinity and real detail and finesse. Light citrus notes and a lovely composed midpalate. Long. Surprisingly accessible now. — 2 months ago
From magnum, the 1996 Grande Année pours a brilliant pale gold color with a persistent mousse. Initially, the wine showed more oxidative notes but it freshened up considerably with air (in fact, a tiny amount was leftover for the next morning and it remained brilliant, racy even!). On the nose, notes of almond, citrus, honey, chalky minerals and brioche. On the palate, wine is developing with absolutely brilliant acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and zippy. The 1996 vintage is simply amazing. Here we are, 28 years past vintage and this bright and full of life! Granted, it’s a magnum, but still. Drink now with patience or enjoy through 2046+. — 3 months ago
Pale gold. Aromas of green apple, pear, citrus, and yeast. On the palate - toast, brioche, honey. Brut with nice bubbles. Crisp acidity, full-body. Major producer champagne that delivers on quality and value.
— 3 months ago
2019 disgorge, improved day 2 — a month ago
More weight than the last time I had it, getting better with age — 10 days ago
A killer NV entry level — a month ago
Lee Pitofsky
LC17 Fac-Simile is evolving beautifully in bottle with a multidimensional expression of smoky red berry fruit, chalky minerality and sea spray-like salinity with a savory Meunier edge. One of the most distinctive and recognizable Rosé Champagne’s in the biz and growing more elusive by the day. — 6 days ago