From: Aube, Côtes des Bar, Champagne, France
Varietals: 50% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Blanc
Taste and Critical Acclaim
This ‘Grains de Celles’ cuvée is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Blanc and 25% Chardonnay from a selection of the estate’s greatest sites which are mostly planted in the same Kimmeridgian soils of marl and limestone that one finds in Chablis and Sancerre. It was aged in bottle for 3 years before disgorgement with 3 grams per liter dosage, making it an Extra Brut. It is a lovely, delicious wine with a nice creamy texture and a great expression of all three grape varietals. The 'Pinot' character from the Noir and Blanc come through primarily on the nose with aromas of red & yellow apple and pear while the crispness of the Chardonnay shows on the very fresh finish with excellent balancing acidity. It is medium to full bodied, very well balanced and rather friendly for an Extra Brut, as many with such a low dosage can come off a bit austere. Not the case here - as it is an easy drinking, versatile Champagne.
92 pt Wine Spectator - "A linear style, with sleek acidity lending focus to the aromatic profile of crunchy pear, lemon zest, chalk, spring blossom and yellow plum. A rich note of smoky minerality rides the lively bead and echoes on the finish. Drink now through 2019."
91 pt Wine Enthusiast - "Based in Celles-sur-Ource in the Seine Valley on the Côte des Bar, this producer's nonvintage wine is ripe despite its dry extra brut dosage. With the unusual proportion of 25% Pinot Blanc in the blend, it is smooth and soft, finishing with just the right tangy acidity and a steely texture. Drink now."