Bruno Paillard Brut Assemblage 2008 (750ML)

94 WA / 93 WE / 92 JS

From a fantastic vintage, the 2008 Assemblage Extra Brut (disgorged in November 2015) has a bright citrus color and shows a clear, super pure and deep bouquet with discreet, bright fruit but predominantly chalky-mineral aromas. The assemblage of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (42% each) plus Pinot Meunier (16%) is a clear, straight, lean and mineral, bone dry, tight and concentrated Champagne with a lot of energy, precision and whole wheat flavors. The finish is still restrained but very dense, deep and complex in its purely mineral expression. A great wine that can be stored for decades. It was aged on the lees for seven years. - Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate

With seven years on lees before disgorgement, this wine already shows some maturity. It is rich while also having the intense acidity of the vintage. Turning to gold in color, it is balanced and dry as with all the Paillard wines, although with age that character becomes less obvious. Drink now for the fruit or until 2024. - RV, Wine Enthusiast

Featuring all three major grapes here, this has a little spice and some chalky, toasty notes with aromas of dried flowers and grapefruit/citrus aromas that dominate. The palate marries lemons and peaches; it's gently grippy and brings a load of crunchy red-berry fruits on the finish. Drink now. - James Suckling