Deutz Cuvee Brut NV

Deutz Cuvee Brut is New Zealand's most storied méthode traditionnelle sparkling, born from a 1988 partnership between Montana Wines and the Champagne house of Deutz. Straw yellow in the glass, it opens with a fresh, lifted nose of toast and bread dough, then turns fleshed and rounded on the palate - bright red berries and grapefruit carried by toasted-nut autolysis characters built up over years on lees. The finish is long and elegant rather than showy. Serve it as an aperitif or alongside canapés and lighter seafood; it's built for drinking on release, though a little careful cellaring will only deepen the toasty notes.

What the winery says:
Deutz Marlborough Cuvée is the result of a winemaking partnership started in 1988 between Montana Wines and the prestigious House of Deutz in Champagne, marrying New Zealand grapes with traditional French Champagne-making techniques. Designed for drinking upon release, it will nevertheless gain additional toasty nuances with careful cellaring.

Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, 92 Points (NV)
A fine lees autolysis leads to aromas of fresh apple and white strawberry then peach. On the palate a gennerous and fleshy mousse texture preceeds flavours of citrus and bread then white strawberry. Crisp, dry, balanced, well made and ready. Best drinking from day of purchase and through 2025.