The year 2008 was one of Champagne’s coolest in 14 years, and also one of the region’s least sunny in almost half a century. It was a classic northern climate, one that has not been seen much since. Rainfall was normal, the summer was dry, and temperatures were constant throughout the growing season. This absence of extremes resulted in slow and steady grape maturation. Under these circumstances, the fruit was intense, elegant and beautifully structured. Heterogeneity in the vines brought great complexity, with a full spectrum flavours and aromas observed upon harvest.