Chateau d’Avize (Leclerc Briant) 2013 (Champagne; 100% Chardonnay; dosage of 2.3g/l; disgorged in April 2023; 12% alcohol). One of just three ‘chateaux’ labels in the entire region. Cinnamon toast. Fifty shades of citrus and yuzu. Light, bright and ethereal. Elegant. Gracious, even, in its now familiar ultra-fresh style. There is a bright brilliance, intensity and energy to this that sets it apart, lovely citrus notes and lots of salinity. Perfectly judged and just right. Fabulous and every bit as good as the first release, from the exceptional 2012 vintage. 96.
96 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com
ots of salted caramel and wildflower honey on the nose, together with dried lemon peel and some dried apple. Full-bodied and very spicy, with tangy acidity adding vibrancy and life to the full body. Linear and integrated blanc de blancs. Spicy at the end. Dosage 2g/L. Drink now or hold.
95 Georgina Hindle - Decanter
A 100% Brut-Zero Chardonnay, disgorged in April 2023. This has a gorgeous nutty nose with brioche and toasted almond aromas - smells nicely mature with soft buttery and floral notes. Crisp and dry on the palate, clean and lively, with tiny persistent bubbles. Tons of citrus - lemon and lime but also vanilla, ground almonds, acacia and just-baked pastry flavours with underlying mineral aspects and bitter grapefruit spice that settles on the tongue. Juicy and mouthwatering, super fresh and bright with crispness all the way through and a long, elegant finish. Dosage 2.3g/l. Winemaker Hervé Jestin.
