Informed by the oldest historical blend of all lieux-dits, dating back to 1994, the NV Blanc de Noirs Aÿ La Côte Faron based on the 2017 vintage was disgorged in February 2024 with 1.5 grams per liter dosage. From a single southwest-facing Pinot Noir vineyard in Aÿ-Champagne, defined by hot daytime sun and refreshed by occasional winds (hence its former name, Contraste), it is one of the richest, more demonstrative wines in the range. Exploding from the glass with notes of honeysuckle, candied lemon zest, warm spices and dried fruit, it’s a highly aromatic, enveloping wine with succulent acidity. Despite its immediate expressiveness, it’s a seriously structured wine that can withstand the test of time. Full-bodied and defined by the high maturity imparted by the site, it is more demonstrative out of the gates than Le Bout du Clos. This is a superb wine that transcends the challenges of the base vintage.