Celler Batlle Brut 2011, Gramona

This astonishing wine is aged on the lees for no less than 108 months prior to release. It is intense and complex, with aromas of ripe peaches, golden apple and quince, alongside lemon zest, aromatic herbs, cherry blossom and pine forest. The long lees-ageing has conferred amazingly complex layers of flavour: toasted sourdough bread, butter puff pastry, brioche, toasted hazelnuts, almonds, vanilla custard, coffee and praline. The first sip reveals a powerful yet nuanced surge of flavour, and a fabulous balance between maturity and freshness. Exquisitely fine, creamy bubbles caress the palate. The lingering, complex finish insists that this is a fine wine to be savoured slowly. Truly memorable – once tasted, never forgotten.