Wonderful! They talk about Champagne that “belongs on the dinner table,” and this is one. We paired it with a Korean roast pork (Bo Ssam) and it was magnificent. Bright and powerful, it was the perfect fool for the rich and delicious pork. I’m pretty sure it would be just as tasty if you drank it on its own! — 7 months ago
The egg Champagne! Nice! — 2 years ago
The Henri Giraud “Hommage au Pinot Noir” is a love note of sorts to, you guessed it, Pinot Noir. And true to the house style, this Blanc de Noirs from Aÿ sees no stainless steel in the process. Instead, this wine is aged on its lees for 54 months in a combination of small oak barrels and amphora before resting in the bottle. The results are quite remarkable.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over a few hours. In the glass, the wine has a very pretty straw color with medium viscosity and a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with a combination of intriguing autolytic and oxidative notes on the initial pour. Over time, the wine seems to brighten up and reveals a lovely mix of white peach, strawberry, raspberry, lemon curd, lightly toasted brioche and limestone minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich, creamy and hugely satisfying. Dare I say this is Krug-esque? Compelling stuff. Drink now. No disgorgement data. — 8 months ago
Lemon peel, white pepper, mint and crushed rocks abound. — 6 months ago
combination of the richness that is typical of Ambonnay married to deep, expressive varietal Chardonnay fruit. Smoke, ash, and crushed rocks. Energetic, vibrant finish — 6 months ago
The NV Blanc de Craie is 100% from Aÿ and Louvois, based on the 2020 vintage. Readers will find a brisk, nervy Champagne that sizzles with tension. Lemon peel, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper are all beautifully delineated. I very much like the energy and tautness here. In fact, this is one of my favorite wines in the range. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 18, 2023. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2024)
— 9 months ago
Mike Evans
Nutty oxidation but not overwhelmingly so, with good acidity, probably past peak but not too far over. — 8 days ago