.A follow-up to the 2008, which was our best-selling Champagne this year, but we have completely sold out. However, the 2012 is equally fantastic and has just been released at the same pricing as the '08. Chassenay d'Arce is an old Co-op based in the Aube founded in 1956 by five families and now works with over 130 families, covering 315 hectares of vines spread over 12 villages. Chassenay sets strict regulations for their growers and is currently having everyone convert to sustainable practices, which is quite an undertaking but will be completed soon. This is a unique Cuvee because the grapes for this are sourced from all over Champagne, and this vintage is made in a Blanc de Noirs style to show the beauty of Pinot fruit in this vintage. With Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and Pinot Meunier from the Valle de Marne. This wouldn't be possible were it not for the outreach of families that Chassenay works with and is one of the few Cuvee's we have seen that incorporates almost every great area of Champagne. The grapes are vinified in stainless steel with a small percentage completed in barrel with a partial malolactic fermentation and aging on the lees for close to ten years before disgorgement. This Cuvee is fresh, expressive, and complex with citrus notes, white-fleshed fruit, white flowers, brioche, and hazelnuts. The palate is elegant but dense with a rich body and taut acidity that brings it to life ending with a long mineral-laced finish. These bottles are all ex-Domaine, just released, and are showing very well now but with the structure to age more. At the moment, these are the only bottles available in the USA