Cedric Bouchard Val Vilaine 2020

Bouchard's NV Blanc de Noirs Côte de Val Vilaine (2020) is a worthy follow-up to the 2019, and time will tell which is the better of the two vintages. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of pear, green apple, crisp stone fruit and bread dough, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and precise, with a beautifully refined but intensely flavored palate that's finer-boned than the richer, more powerful 2019 rendition. Long and penetrating, this is another brilliant wine from Cédric Bouchard. Readers may be shocked to be reminded that, back on release, the first rendition of Val Vilaine was sold for 16.47 EUR before tax.