Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne

"A blanc de blancs will enjoy the same characteristics that you would enjoy in a glass of good chardonnay: primary aromas and flavours of citrus and stone fruit alongside secondary characteristics such as brioche, nuts and vanilla as a result of age. This Henriot blanc de blancs Champagne delivered all of that and more and delighted our judges who described it as, “A Champagne with power and presence boasting ripe citrus, hints of white peach flesh, lemon curd and creamy brioche all combined beautifully in this elegant wine with a fine mousse and taut acidity. Every element exists together in perfect balance." While there is no doubt that we appreciate the big brand names of Champagne, it is wonderful to see an independent champagne take the top spot in this tasting. It is a reminder that Champagne is so much more than the famous names. Champagne Henriot was founded in 1808 by Apolline Henriot, the widow of Nicolas Henriot, a pretty audacious act for a woman in the 19th century. The Maison Henriot has been making audacious decisions ever since, the boldest of which is remaining steadfastly independent. Eight generations later, the house of Henriot is proud to be an independent, family-owned Champagne house producing no more than 1.3 million bottles of Champagne each year with a commitment to producing their impressive house style year after year."

"Light straw colour, toasty developed bouquet, very Champagne-like, creamy, slightly honeyed. But it's also very complex for its station, revealing a big proportion of aged reserve wines. Quite high acidity, which refreshes the palate and balances out the dosage liqueur. Clean, dry finish. Very good length and balance. A very smart wine. 21 OCT 2020."

"A cuvée that dates back to 1880 when Paul Henriot, fourth generation of the family, married Marie Marguet, whose family owned Chardonnay vineyards in the Côte des Blancs. Up until then, the Henriot family had only worked with Pinot Noir from their vineyards in the Montagne de Reims. As a tribute to the new alliance, the Henriot family made a champagne that was a blend of all the Chardonnay vineyards, and although that began with just three, today it comprises 12 different vineyards. 55% from 2015, 45% reserve wines, and it also includes something cellarmaster Alice Tétienne (ex Krug) called 'the reserve of the blend', which is basically a blend of the previous year's blend, held back in tank. They do this for the Blanc de Blancs and the Brut Souverain. A portion of the previous year's blend therefore always goes into the current blend – a kind of reverse solera. They've done this since 1969, since stainless-steel tanks were used in the winery. So, she points out to me, I am tasting a tiny bit of 1969! Disgorged in 2021 – five years sur lattes. They prefer to age the champagnes in bottle for at least one year after disgorging. Dosage 6 g/l. As to be expected, a stark contrast to the Brut Souverain. Striking elegance and purity. Laser-like focus with acidity that fills the mouth with a white-lemon-gold-lit iridescence. Touch of chalk, saltiness, and then almost lusciously ripe lemon notes. This is really classy. Alice Tétienne says that she's tasted these wines going back a long way and they will age for decades. Drink 2022– 2030 (TC) "