Henri Giraud

Hommage au Pinot Noir

9.3

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. — 3 days ago

Peter, Andrew and 8 others liked this

Shay A

Big fan of this producer. Wonderful and educational visit as well.

Jay Kline

@Shay A only my second time drinking the wines. I’ve heard some of the more serious wines are pretty heady and need time.

Henri Giraud

Dame-Jane Champagne Rosé Blend

Dan Michael

9.0

Delightful bottle of rose, aromatic nose, great color, full palate, nice lean finish. It lived up to our spicy pizza. — 8 months ago

Ira liked this

Domaine Latour-Giraud

Cuvée des Pierre Meursault-Genevrières 1er Cru Chardonnay 2017

Alan Weinberg

9.4

Intense is the word, almost essence of Chardonnay, almost painful to taste. Nose is a bit reticent with a bit of menthol and sulfur, but the palate just is a kaleidoscope of amazing flavors and great density. Minerals and acid are in forefront, lovely citrus fruit. Did I mention minerals? Texture is thick but not heavy. Finish endless. It’s a really great wine. — a year ago

Lyle, Severn and 5 others liked this

Henri Giraud

Blanc de Craie Champagne Blend

Delectable Wine

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9.2

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)
— 20 days ago

Henri Giraud

Aÿ Grand Cru Fût De Chêne Brut Champagne Blend

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Beautiful cuvée with age. Bottle bought 10 years ago and likely disgorged around 2010 or so.

Black cherries, liqueur tangerines, dried stone fruits, blackberries, mix of black raspberries/raspberries, rainier cherries, delicate but razor sharp chalkiness, limestone, sea spray, sea fossils, bread dough, baguette crust, soft wine spice, rainbow, floral bouquet, shape acidity, good tension, excellent structure & balance. The finish is elegant with power that lasts minutes. Excellent with Duck Confit, goat cheese with herbs.

Happy Global Champagne Day. — 6 months ago

Severn, Ira and 11 others liked this

Shay A

Visiting them in two weeks. Great champagnes.