Freddy R. Troya

9.0

A.J. de Margerie – Grand Cru Brut
Bouzy, Champagne – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A Grand Cru Champagne from the village of Bouzy, an area known for its powerful, Pinot Noir–driven expressions. The composition blend is 90 % Pinot Noir and 10 % Chardonnay. This bottling leans toward a richer, more opulent profile while still delivering the classic tension associated with Bouzy fruit.

Aromas & Flavors
Floral notes intertwined with brioche, honey, and touches of lemon custard. The fruit profile leans slightly riper, giving it a plush and appetizing character.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with fine, energetic bubbles. There’s noticeable tension on the back end of the palate, creating a long, citrus-inflected finish. The riper fruit adds generosity without losing structure.

Food Pairings
Ideal with creamy cheeses, smoked salmon, shrimp tartare, buttery pastries, or even lightly spiced Asian dishes.

Verdict
A rich, floral, and pleasantly intense Grand Cru Champagne with a honeyed edge. A bit fruitier than my personal preference, but an excellent choice for those who enjoy lemon-custard tones and a long, persistent finish.

Did You Know?
Bouzy is one of Champagne’s most famous Pinot Noir villages, its Grand Cru status reflects centuries of recognition for power, ripeness, and depth in both still and sparkling wines. — 4 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.4

Starting Thanksgiving off right.

Paired with bacon wrapped dates stuffed with feta. Caviar birds nests with crème fraiche. Shrimp cocktail, spinach dip and cheese.

Really nice sweetness to balance the food. — 2 days ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.2

Wonder bread toasted. Apple and pear. Maybe not baked. But maybe. Super balanced. This is the bomb. So much better than regular brut. 2015 — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

I am generally not a huge fan of Champagne unless it is exceptional which this is. I have always enjoyed the Blanc de Noirs style as well. Mid copper in colour. Plenty of chalky minerality on nose and palate. Fine mousse- small persistent bubbles - 72 months on lees. 100% Pinot Noir. Also aromatics of citrus and mouldy apple. The next night just as good with fewer bubbles. Much cheaper than Krug’s Clos d’Ambonnay for a similar experience I would imagine although I haven’t shelled out the considerable dosh for one of the Krug’s. — 9 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.5

Beautiful fruit, soft mousse. Round and creamy. Lovely! — 13 days ago

Thijs Hendriks

9.5

Jeroboam, Deg 02-2024 — 2 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

Showing mature flavors & drinking well! Purchased on release in 2014 — 9 days ago

Alan Weinberg

9.4

What a delicious classy bubbly. — 3 days ago

Ming L

8.9

Nice entry level Champaign with ample reserved wines (30% - 50%) that offers aromas of green apple, pear, lemon peel with hint of smoke and chalk. Vigorous bubbles. Clean and refreshing on the palate with vivid acidity. Clean cut finish. — 20 days ago

Andrea Watt

9.2

I had a lot of fun getting the magnum of this for a celebration. Crisp pear and toasty brioche over a touch of mineral and lemon. — 19 days ago