Henriot Blanc de Blancs (NV)

Introduction

Sparkling, crystalline pale gold with slight green highlights. Abundant effervescence, with fine, delicate bubbles. Pure, concentrated and expressive, with floral (honeysuckle, orange flower, linden), fruity (lemon, dried apricot, almond) and pastry aromas, followed by spicy notes. The attack is dynamic, full and powerful, with aromas of lightly toasted brioche, quince jelly, and acacia honey. The clean, delicious finish develops on a light menthol note and shows excellent length. Lovely as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to dishes such as foie gras terrine, roasted chicken, lobster rolls, smoked salmon or sushi.

93 Points – James Suckling A rich and flavorful Blanc de Blancs with grilled pineapple, lemon curd, toasted sourdough, chalk, puffed rice and hints of balsamic on the nose. Its medium-bodied with silky bubbles and fresh acidity. Delicious spice notes at the end. Chardonnay. 2015 base vintage with 35% reserve wines. 6g/l dosage. Disgorged May 2019. Drink now or hold.

93 Points – Decanter Subtle notions of toast have a lovely tinge of lemon and roasted hazelnut on the nose. Lively mousse on a tender palate bubbles with toasty, nutty autolysis. As it warms up, the mousse softens and shows a sunny roundness of yellow stone fruit that sits well with the toasty yeast notes. Drinking Window 2020 – 2025

92 Points – Wine Spectator A toasty edge of roasted hazelnut and subtle smoke is enmeshed with flavors of Asian pear, lemon sorbet and candied ginger in this elegant Champagne. Fresh and mouthwatering, with a finely detailed mousse. Drink now through 2023.

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast Chardonnay from the Cte des Blancs yields up its typical crisp and mineral texture over the ripeness of the Henriot style. The Champagne is balanced, fruity with fine acidity to match and the bottling is ready to drink.

90 Points – Wine & Spirits This wines light chamomile scent and spiced apple flavors give it a pure chardonnay profile. That, plus its powerful leesy grip, led one taster to describe it as Chablis on steroids. Its rich and creamy, taking on fresh depths of pale chalk and pea-tendril flavors as it opens. The blend, including 40 percent reserve wines, is seamless.

90 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate The latest rendition of Henriot’s NV Blanc de Blancs is showing well, opening in the glass with notes of nectarine, citrus oil, toasted bread and light reduction. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a generous core of fruit, lively acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse, it concludes with a saline finish. This is a comparatively rich iteration of this cuve, and it should pick up additional complexity with age. Rating : 90+