The first release of Bruno Paillard's NV Dosage Zéro is a multivintage blend of more than 30 crus (or 106 parcels) assembling Pinot Meunier from the Marne Valley with equal parts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, predominantly fermented in small oak barrels. The cuvée "DZ" comprises about 50% reserve wines and thus includes all the vintages, starting with the 1985. The straw-yellow to white-golden colored first release starts with an elegant, pure, fresh and vinous bouquet of white fruit and apple compote aromas with a lovely oxidative and chalky citrus touch. Pure, lean and fresh on the palate, this is a bone-dry yet fine, elegant, well-structured and grippy Champagne with beautifully ripe but discreet and food-friendly fruit. Have the "DZ" cuvée with a starter (with oysters!) or fresh (and possibly raw) white fish from the ocean. The wine has a good, mineral finish with white fruit and some lemon flavors. Disgorged in January 2018, after 36 months "sur lattes."

Critic Name: Stephan Reinhardt, RobertParker.com

Critic Score:90 points