2004 Laurent-Perrier "Grand Si̬cle - Cuv̩e Alexandra" Brut Ros̩ Champagne

Michel Fauconnet macerates Pinot Noir and Chardonnay together (an 80-20 blend), allowing the color of Pinot‰۪s skins to tint the wine, while the Chardonnay skins add to the wine‰۪s structure, tightening the red fruit in a delicate tannic vise. There‰۪s a wild mushroom savor to the wine, a gamey, woodland note and a minty crispness. Youthfully brash, then nuanced and satisfying, this is substantial enough for the dark meat of roast game birds.