95 points Jeb Dunnuck (Audrey Frick)
The 2019 Champagne Aube Saline is 100% Chardonnay from Frion, a fully south-facing site surrounded by forest. Bright golden-straw in color, it has a striking combination of ripe fruit and clean mineral definition, with apricot, stone fruit, white grapefruit, a touch of mango, and stony earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has excellent intensity and depth, with a lovely mousse and a building salinity that gives the wine energy and balance. Long and structured, this should only improve with time. Production came to 3,000 bottles. Drink 2026-2040.

Village: Celles-Sur-Ource, Barséquanais
Site: Val Frion
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vine Age: Planted in 1975
Soil: Kimmeridgian and Portlandian limestone & clay
Fermentation: Spontaneous with native yeast in stainless steel

MLF: Spontaneous
Disgorgement: January 2026
Aging: 48-72 months on the lees
Dosage: Brut Nature
Farming: Practicing Organic
Filtration/Cold-Stabilization: None
Vegan: Yes