Claude Cazals N.V. Champagne Cuvee Rose Grand Cru, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

I stumbled across this brilliant rose Champagne while on a recent visit to Champagne. I saw a familiar name on the ine list but, it was not wearing the "uniform" I was used to. Cazals has always been a badass Blanc de Blancs producer to me, but here it was, in Reims on a wine bar list, and I knew I had to try it. I was blown away. The second I was back home I got a hold of the importer and begged to get a couple cases for the shop. Delicate red fruit, nutty, toasty, deep roasted citrus rind and a kiss of honeyed graham cracker. Simply beautiful. Bring on the fried nubbins, salty meats or for me? A taller glass.