Shay A

9.3

I’ve enjoyed Henri Giraud’s champagnes for a while, and was able to visit last Nov. This ratafia champenois was quite fun and worthy of a few bottles being brought home. From a solera of 1990-2016 vintages.

Followed over a few months (love that the wine comes with its own dedicated stopper to help preserve).

First whiff reminds me of some Cognacs I’ve had with a combo of sweet concentrated fruit (raisins) and heat, before showing a honeyed profile. There’s no nutty Sauternes like profile, but the palate is texturally similar without being cloying. Orange marmalade and golden raspberries dominate the flavors. Little bright herbal-flair, but this still shows some Cognac type flavors without the ABV punch. The oxidation is balanced and not detracting. Really enjoyable. — 23 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

The Henri Giraud “Hommage au Pinot Noir” is a love note of sorts to, you guessed it, Pinot Noir. And true to the house style, this Blanc de Noirs from Aÿ sees no stainless steel in the process. Instead, this wine is aged on its lees for 54 months in a combination of small oak barrels and amphora before resting in the bottle. The results are quite remarkable.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over a few hours. In the glass, the wine has a very pretty straw color with medium viscosity and a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with a combination of intriguing autolytic and oxidative notes on the initial pour. Over time, the wine seems to brighten up and reveals a lovely mix of white peach, strawberry, raspberry, lemon curd, lightly toasted brioche and limestone minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich, creamy and hugely satisfying. Dare I say this is Krug-esque? Compelling stuff. Drink now. No disgorgement data. — 9 months ago

Mike Evans

9.0

A little natty funk, it didn’t really resonate with me. — 12 days ago

Alexander Bastian Nielsen

9.7

Absolutely incredible. Baked apple pie, crêpes with lemon juice, pear juice, toast, roasted almonds, butter, white miso paste, lemon grass and stemmed ginger.
So much power on the palate with a full body and intensity. Incredible — 3 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.2

The NV Blanc de Craie is 100% from Aÿ and Louvois, based on the 2020 vintage. Readers will find a brisk, nervy Champagne that sizzles with tension. Lemon peel, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper are all beautifully delineated. I very much like the energy and tautness here. In fact, this is one of my favorite wines in the range. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 18, 2023. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2024)
— 10 months ago

Jelle Lars Heijmans

9.9

Close to perfection — 2 years ago

Mike Evans

9.2

Nutty oxidation but not overwhelmingly so, with good acidity, probably past peak but not too far over. — a month ago

Fin Jams

9.8

A special champagne worthy of a special occasion. One of the best champagnes I've had and a stellar drop. Such complexity yet elegance in a glass. Layered perfection. Happy 3 years anniversary to me and Singlife. — 4 months ago

Fin Jams

9.0

Lots of depth and layers. — a year ago

Fin Jams

9.7

My champagne of the year. 80% pinot noir and 20% charddy, 100% delicious. So much going on with its melange of flavours. A pretty bold drop both lively and heavy at the same time. — a year ago