Tarlant Brut Prestige Champagne l'Etincelante 2002

95+ points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "An assemblage of 57% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier, the 2002 Millésime Prestige l'Étincelante (literally: the sparkling one) opens with an exciting bouquet that displays lovely matured yet precise fruit aromas along with brioche, stony and flinty notes. On the palate, the 2002 is intense, firm and vibrantly fresh, showing a juicy, chalky texture and stimulating salinity in the long yet still young finish. This is one of the best vintage Champagnes I have tasted here so far. Drink: 2020-2040. (Aug 2018)"

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(disgorged September 2018; 57% chardonnay, 29% pinot noir, 14% meunier; three chardonnay vineyards, two pinot and one meunier; aged 15.5 years on lees; zero dosage). ‘My first year at the domaine was 1999, but 2002 was my first fireworks year, the first year when everything I received was wonderful!’ Benoît Tarlant beams. He has waited an incredible 17 years to unveil what he rightfully considers to be one of his finest wines, making this what must be the very last cuvée in Champagne to be unleashed from this celebrated season. He appropriately named it ‘L’Etincelante’ – ‘the sparkling one’. A mesmerising display of characterful personality transcends terroirs not renowned for their longevity, a towering showpiece for the ripe approach and textured mood that define Tarlant. Glowing, radiant white peach and succulent grilled pineapple are met by a rumbling upsurging of layered spice and honey on buttered toast. True to the Tarlant signature, its silky creaminess is seamlessly integrated with ripe malic acidity. Very fine and salty mineral texture draws out a very long, fine and honed finish. This is one of Tarlant’s greatest achievements year. L’Etincelante, indeed. (2020-2021)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2002 Brut Nature L’Étincelante is one of the most restrained 2002 Champagnes readers will come across. And it is absolutely exquisite. Delicate scents of apricot, chamomile, pear, baked apple tart, brioche and yellow flowers all lift from the glass. Medium in body and super-refined, the 2002 has so much to recommend it. This is a tremendous showing from Benoit Tarlant. Drink: 2018-2028. (Jul 2018)"

94 points James Suckling: "A very complex chardonnay-dominant (57 per cent) blend that has abundant bready, nutty and toasty aromas and pithy lemon and grapefruit on the palate. Super fine, creamy and elegant. Very long, savory finish. Drink now. (9/5/18)"