The 2000 Grand Cru is another fat, ripe wine. Here the fruit moves towards the exotic, jammy end of the spectrum as notes of apricots, brioche and spices emerge from the glass. The wine remains creamy and generous all the way through to the long finish. As outstanding as the 2000 Grand Cru is, I prefer the NV Brut Grand Cru Carte d'Or for its greater verve and energy. The 2000 Grand Cru is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay from southeast facing vineyards in Bouzy with an average age of 25 years. Dosage was 9 grams per liter. Disgorged: January, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. This is one of the most impressive lineups I can remember tasting from Saves, a small family-run property located in Bouzy, in the heart of Pinot Noir country. The wines are fermented in steel and do not undergo malolactic fermentation. The more important bottlings spend 3-4 years on the lees in bottle. Dosage ranges from 10-12 grams, which is towards the high end within the Brut designation.A Becky Wasserman Selection, imported by: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404