Champagne Bruno Paillard has announced the U.S. release of the new Blanc de Blancs 2012, marking the first new vintage Blanc de Blancs from Bruno Paillard since the 2006.

The Blanc de Blancs 2012 is made from the first 16 oz. of juice extracted from 2.2 lbs. of grapes. The 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes are from the heart of the Côte des Blancs, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the company says. Twenty two percent of the grapes are vinified in old barriques. The wine later spent eight years aging in the cellar, followed by 12 months’ rest post-disgorgement, prior to release.

Dosage, in line with the Champagne Bruno Paillard house style, is Extra Brut, and at 3g/L, the lowest to date for a vintage Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs.

Weather in 2012 was a roller coaster, the company says, with cold snaps, hail, heat, and drought, with the result that yields were low. Bruno Paillard Blancs de Blanc 2012 shows aromas characteristic of the vintage. Initially reserved, the nose opens up to notes of citrus and grapefruit, followed by aromas of ripe stone fruit, honey, white flowers, even menthol, the company reports. After several minutes, licorice notes appear, alongside toasted bread and frangipane mixed with candied fruit. On the palate, all those notes translate into waves of flavor, along with salinity and the spice of cedar wood.

It’s imported by Serendipity Wine Imports in Austin, TX.