1998 Noble Champagne Grand Cru Brut

96 POINTS: Disgorged in June of 2008, this shows aromas of patisserie and nut oils on the nose from long post-disgorgement ageing, giving it a lovely complexity and character. It remains fresh on the palate, however, just moving beyond its primary youthfulness into the next phase of development, and balancing notes of fresh fruit with a more resonant complexity. It unfolds on the palate with dimension and poise, persisting on the finish in long, nuanced fragrance, and with its backbone of malic acidity and saline chalkiness, it feels like it will enjoy a long life, continuing to evolve slowly and gracefully.