Pehu-Simonet Brut Champagne Face Nord NV

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 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 relatively bargain for the price. Drink: now+."

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "[$56 list] The NV Brut Face Nord is a bold, racy wine that captures the essence of Pinot Noir on this north-facing slope. Plum, kirsch, dried flowers, mint and chalk are front and center. The Face Nord has plenty of depth and avoids the austerity that is sometimes found in wines from Verzenay, Verzy and Sillery. It is a terrific introduction to this range from David Pehu. Disgorged: June, 2021. Drink: 2021-2028. (Nov 2021)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "A vinous style, with almond blossom, dried white cherry and citrus peel flavors underscored by a vein of salty mineral. Juicy and well-knit, with a lightly effervescent, creamy mousse, this is distinctive, with a moderate, clean-cut finish. Disgorged November 2019. Drink now through 2023. (11/30/20)"