Unlike the first PN editions, this champagne is immediately drinkable, which is perhaps due to the ageing in oak barrels of the 2018 vintage. 2018 has produced grapes with a high sugar content and perfect phenolic ripeness. The oak is evident with some smoky roasted flavours that are not too prominent given the power of the AY and the great vintage. The barrel-fermented Ay Pinot Noir 2018 makes up almost half of the blend, while the magnum-aged 2009 and tank-fermented 2016 and 2017 vintages from Tauxieres and Avenay provide additional freshness and a better acid balance.
