Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Millésime 2015

Egly-Ouriet epitomise Grower Champagne, with fourth-generation winemaker Francis Egly acting as one of the primary catalysts in the category's rise over recent decades. This is their flagship Champagne, a vintage wine of near supernatural concentration and depth. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from exclusively Grand Cru vineyards, this Champagne is a monolith in the Grower Movement, a testament to the incredible work done by these smaller estates. Bursting from the glass with notes of lemon-lime citrus, verbena, and toasted brioche, this is an age-worthy, sumptuous wine more than worthy of mention in the pantheon of great Champagnes. 

97+/100 - From a sunny vintage in which the harvest—commencing relatively late, on September 20—proved ultimately rewarding, Egly’s 2015 Grand Cru Millésime has turned out remarkably elegant. A classic blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from Ambonnay, it was disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter—significantly lower than the 2008 edition, when Egly needed to temper the pronounced acidity. The wine bursts from the glass with an evocative bouquet of pear, red plum and fresh bread, mingling with vibrant citrus nuances. On the palate, it is deep, full-bodied and layered, showcasing remarkable concentration and a crystalline core of fruit. A bright spine of acidity and abundant chalky extract provide both structure and sensation of freshness, culminating in a persistent, reverberating finish. While this vintage is occasionally marked by subtle vegetal tones—attributable to incomplete ripening under hydric stress—this cuvée exhibits none of those elements. As Francis Egly notes, “It was all about the harvest date, and we certainly didn’t rush to pick the grapes.” Fine-boned and effortlessly graceful, this small release possesses all the attributes necessary for a long evolution. - Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate

96/100 - The 2015 Champagne Millésime is a bright straw color and is ripe and fruity on the nose, with aromas of black cherries, fresh violets, savory saline, and a hint of umami richness. The palate is full-bodied, with no phenolic bitterness, and never feels overtly savory. Pure, juicy, and inviting, it’s lovely and long on the palate, with a very pretty finish and a refined mousse that just frames the wine. It has a delicate note of toast that it needs time to harmonize, but I love what they have done with this vintage. Drink 2025-2045. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

96/100  - The 2015 Extra Brut Millésime Grand Cru is an unqualified success from Egly-Ouriet in a vintage that has proven to be uneven throughout Champagne. Citrus peel, white flowers, sage and white pepper abound. There’s gorgeous freshness and tension, with none of the vegetal notes found at many addresses. The 2015 doesn't quite have the stature of some prior vintages, but it is supremely delicious and inviting. Impeccable. Dosage is 1 gram per liter. Disgorged: July 2024. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous