Nautilus Cuvée Marlborough Brut NV

A precise blend of 72.4% Pinot Noir and 27.6% Chardonnay, this cuvée spent 36 months on lees and carries a dosage of 6.5g/L. It opens with complex, savoury aromatics—honeysuckle, cheese rind and pastry dough—before revealing ripe apple, nashi pear and lemon. A salted praline nuance adds depth and nuttiness, and with air, citrus blossom lifts the nose with subtle floral prettiness. There’s admirable layering on the palate, where defined fruit and lees-derived savouriness integrate seamlessly. A fine bead brings a creamy texture, while a cut of bright citrus acidity drives energy and precision. Lemon zest, almond meal, apple and pear flavours all play their part, with the modest dosage finely judged and the acidity pulling everything through to a long, fresh finish. With three years on lees, impressive complexity, and real length, this delivers outstanding value at $40. A smart buy.