Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Rosé

(roughly 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, with 9 g/l dosage; LAH9V): Dark, vivid pink. Ripe red berries, rose oil and tangerine on the nose, plus a subtle note of toasty lees. Bitter cherry and berry skin flavors give way to softer raspberry in the middle, with a tangy blood orange nuance adding cut and lift. Packs a punch but shows very good clarity and delineation, finishing round, smooth and quite long.

A fresh, minerally rose Champagne, with a burst of pink grapefruit peelinfused acidity driving flavors of white cherry, raspberry, salted almond and lemon thyme as they ride the lively, lacy mousse. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now.

The partner to the familiar Brut Impérial, this rosé has been refined in the past decade to give a crisp structure, plenty of refreshing acidity and a zesty, vibrant texture. The bottling is ready to drink.

The latest release of the NV Brut Impérial Rosé offers up a pretty bouquet of candied strawberries and red berries, followed by a medium-bodied, delicately fleshy, open-knit palate that's nicely balanced, albeit somewhat ephemeral. Considering the volume produced, it's a creditable effort, and it's worth noting that the wine's dosage is well integrated.