There are some wines that simply exceed excellence and enter into transcendence. Cédric Bouchard hits this mark. After a stint as a sommelier in Paris, Cédric blazed a path making single-vintage, single-varietal, zero dosage wines from his father's vines in the Côte des Bar region of Champagne. While his wines are true sparkling Champagne, many have likened his approach to a Burgundy winemaker. He farms completely organically, uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation, and only uses free run juice (the most exceptional). There is a vinosity to these wines which gives them body and texture, but the precision is razor-sharp. Val Vilaine, 100% Pinot Noir from the 1.5 hectare lieu-dit of the same name produces only 300-500 cases annually, depending on vintage conditions. 2020 offers a particularly rich expression, which is beautiful now, but will also age, if you have the patience.