Champagne Blanc de Blancs "Grand Cru"

The NV Blanc de Blancs Reserve Privée Grand Cru is terrific, most notably for its finesse and defining sense of grace. Citrus peel, flowers, slate and crushed rocks are some of the many notes that race across the palate in this translucent, crystalline Champagne from Bruno Paillard. The Blanc de Blancs gets a little lost in the lineup, but in my view it is one of the most compelling wines in the range. Disgorged May 2012.

Sourced from the fruit of 36 family-owned plots in Oger and Mesnil-sur-Oger, the NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is very fine and intense on the clear, precise and perfectly ripe nose, with lovely brioche and aromatic fruit notes. Beautifully intense but refined and highly elegant on the palate, this is one of the finest Blanc de Blancs I have had from Bruno Paillard in the past five years. This is so gentle, pure and chalky, with a long and intense but clear, crisp and salty finish. This is absolutely fabulous in its terroir reflection and great delicacy with beautiful length. Disgorged as Extra-Brut in January 2017. Tasted October 2018.