Wild strawberry, crushed sea shells, white nectarine. Ripe ruby grapefruit, salted brioche, watermelon mint. A remarkably pronounced and driving explosion of almost-ripe cherry, citrus peel, and raspberry pastry powerfully collides with dried flower petals, tilled soil, and broken chalk in an astoundingly intense and bright-fruited display. Notes of gooey croissant and raw dough immediately emerge to reveal deep autolytic charm while impressions of ocean brine and broken clay pot expose profoundly earthy and saline minerality. Wafts of fresh forest air, pine needle, and orchard blossom impart further lifted nauce yet cannot strip control from magnificent concentration of fruit, lees, and earth. Impressively energetic, brooding, and serious on the palate; featuring strong yet soft effervescence that perfectly matches the tone of the robust yet regal attack. Medium plus in body while tightened and focused by wonderfully high acidity. This NV Premier Cru Brut Rosé by Champagne De Watère is a remarkably captivating, contemplative, and complex Rosé de Saignée from the Vallée de la Marne.

While Rosé Champagne is often created by blending a bit of red wine into a base cuvée to achieve the winemaker's desired color and flavor, Rosé de Saignée is actually made through a process where the entirety of the must is allowed to begin fermentation on the grape skins for a short time before being racked, pressed, and then finishing fermentation. This bottling, crafted by Champagne De Watère using 100% Pinot Noir sourced from the Premier Cru village of Avenay-Val-d'Or and fermented using the Saignée method, showcases the power, precision, and poise that Saignée Champagne is uniquely capable of achieving. While it undoubtedly contains all of the tension, electricity, and minerality characteristic of the world's greatest sparkling wines, this delicious and downright special offering is also incredibly bold and big-fruited. Its tremendous depth and complexity are a marvel to experience now, but this wine will likely continue to improve and develop with time in the cellar. Absolutely outstanding.