Eric Rodez, Champange Cuvee de Crayeres (Base 2021), NV

The reference bottling from Ambonnay grower Eric Rodez, who learned his craft at Krug before farming his family's Grand Cru parcels organically and biodynamically. Cuvee des Crayeres is named for the chalk (craie) pits beneath the village and blends roughly 60% Pinot Noir with 40% Chardonnay, drawn from an average of 15 different wines spanning five or six vintages. That deep solera-like reserve gives it both freshness and a mature, layered complexity. Built on a 2021 base, it's drinking well now and will hold for several years.