Pehu-Simonet Brut Champagne Face Nord NV 1.5L

94 points Wine & Spirits: "Based on the 2017 vintage, this blend includes 30 percent from a perpetual reserve established in 2005. It’s focused on David Pehu’s parcels in Verzenay, Verzy and Sillery, weighted toward pinot noir (70 percent), and it is red fruit thats pours out of the glass. Powerfully structured as a young wine, with a hint of vanilla bean (20 percent of the base wines were vinified in oak), this is more accessible a day after the cork is popped: The mineral acidity turns frisky, the layered intensity of cèpes and chalk mellows toward generosity. (Dec 2021)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$54/750ml list] Packs a fragrant skein of violet, star anise and graphite that winds through macerated cherry and strawberry fruit, raw almond and crystallized honey. Finely meshed and satiny in texture, this is softly juicy and fresh throughout. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged January 2022. Drink now. 75 cases imported. (11/30/22)"

93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A pure, elegant and airy nose combines distinct notes of citrus peel and yeast with more subtle wisps of green apple and spiced pear. I very much like the mouth feel of the middle weight flavors as they're at once firm yet fine as is the supporting mousse, all wrapped in a lingering finish that offers impressive depth and balance. This is really quite good and a relative bargain for the price. Drink: now+."

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The NV Brut Face Nord is a gorgeous, expressive wine. For the Face Nord David Pehu blends 70% Pinot and 30% Chardonnay from Verzey and Verzy, both of which yield nervy, racy wines. The inclusion of 30% perpetual reserve back to 2005 helps fill out the layers while adding notable complexity. Cherry, Mirabelle plum, spice and exotic white flowers give the Face Nord striking aromatic complexity and a touch of exoticism that are so alluring. Disgorged: November 1, 2019. Drink: 2020-2026. (Nov 2020)"