Egly-Ouriet Champagne Grand Cru Millésime 2016

Regarded among the pioneers of the Grower Champagne movement, Francis Egly remains today one of its most authoritative voices. Joined by his daughter Clémence, they craft Champagnes of astonishing richness, power and remarkable capacity to age, predominantly from old-vine Pinot Noir grapes across the Grand Cru villages of Ambonnay, Verzenay and Bouzy.

Made in extremely small quantities, the 'Millésime' cuvée is the result of a strict selection of the best barrels in the vintage. This is their most long-lived cuvée, often benefitting from further years in bottle post disgorgement to express its full potential. As all Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru cuvées, this is entirely vinified in barrel and undergo a first aging on lees for almost one year before bottling, allowing the wines to clarify slowly — just as things were done in the past. Bottled in 2017, this is a blend of Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%). Disgorged in 2025, after 8 years sur lattes. Dosage 1 g/l.

95+/100 - A bright yellow hue, the 2016 Champagne Grand Cru Ambonnay Millesime Extra Brut is 70% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay. Offering springy, floral notes of orange sherbert and meringue, it’s medium-bodied and has a bright focus on the palate, with zesty acidity. Zesty and more citrus driven at this stage, I wouldn't be surprised if it’s better in years to come. I anticipate it fleshing out with time. Drink 2026-2056. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com