Henri Giraud Masuizumi

Henri Giraud

Argonne Brut Aÿ Grand Cru Brut Champagne 2002

Nutty oxidation but not overwhelmingly so, with good acidity, probably past peak but not too far over. — 7 days ago

Ira and Shay liked this

Henri Giraud

Hommage au Pinot Noir

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

Peter, Andrew and 8 others liked this
Shay A

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

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@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

MV19 Grand Cru Aÿ Brut Champagne Blend

Absolutely incredible. Baked apple pie, crêpes with lemon juice, pear juice, toast, roasted almonds, butter, white miso paste, lemon grass and stemmed ginger.
So much power on the palate with a full body and intensity. Incredible
— 2 months ago

Henri Giraud

PR 19/90 Champagne Blend

Lots of depth and layers. — a year ago

Henri Giraud

MV18 Aÿ Grand Cru Brut Champagne Blend

My champagne of the year. 80% pinot noir and 20% charddy, 100% delicious. So much going on with its melange of flavours. A pretty bold drop both lively and heavy at the same time. — a year ago

Henri Giraud

Ratafia Champenois Solera 90-16

Champagne ratafia was described as the champagne before fermentation. Champagne ratafia is a rare and very aromatic natural sweet wine. Crazy aromatics would be a better description. This wine made me reconsider my “not a fan of sweet wine” stance.

It’s Paris so it’s always going to be about the food and the wine. A rule to remember — when in France, don’t knock the lesser known wines because you may find a gem. Yesterday was a great start.
@Le Bon George
— 2 years ago

Shay, Dawn and 7 others liked this
Severn Goodwin

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Nice. We actually brought a bottle of Ratafia home with us from our last visit to France. This is a spirit made from the first use of the leftover pomace (skins/seeds/stems) from Champagne pressing. There can be 1-2 more times using that same leftover material, each iteration yields a different flavor profile. For my palate, the Ratafia is the most pleasurable. I'm glad to see you posting and enjoying!
Deborah M

Deborah M

@Shay A @Severn Goodwin I didn’t realize I would enjoy Ratafia so much. I would love to try to find to bring home. Maybe today I can locate something.
Severn Goodwin

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I've not seen it in the US, and even if it's here, likely not the better stuff. Good hunting.

Henri Giraud

MV16 Grand Cru Aÿ Brut Champagne Pinot Noir - Chardonnay Blend

A special champagne worthy of a special occasion. One of the best champagnes I've had and a stellar drop. Such complexity yet elegance in a glass. Layered perfection. Happy 3 years anniversary to me and Singlife. — 3 months ago

Henri Giraud

Blanc de Craie Champagne Blend

Delectable Wine
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)
— 9 months ago

Henri Giraud

Dame-Jane Champagne Rosé Blend

Me
9.0

The egg Champagne! Nice! — 2 years ago