Egly Ouriet Brut Grand Cru NV (750ML)

94 JD / 95 DE / 93 WA / 93 WS / 93 VM

Based on 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the NV Grand Cru Brut has a killer nose of baked apple, crushed citrus, toasted spice, and brioche. This carries to a richer, layered, powerful Champagne with depth, density, and length. I’d be happy to drink bottles any time over the coming decade. Jeb Dunnuck

Although this appears as the 'house' non-vintage, in character it is more akin to a vintage wine that needs some time on cork. Tasted young, the saturated fruit – apricot, spiced apples, grilled lemons – is already expressive, yet not fully unsprung. Based on 2018 with 40% reserves back to 2016, the heat of 2018 is in the fruit profile rather than weight or grip, and is more about persistence than pure power, underlined by the oak élevage yet not coloured by it. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. 100% barrel fermentation.-Tom Hewson, Decanter

The latest release of the NV Brut Grand Cru (which will no longer be known as "Tradition") was disgorged in June with three grams per liter dosage and is based on the 2014 vintage, complemented by reserve wines from 2013, 2012 and 2011. Opening in the glass with aromas of warm bread, fresh peach, green apples and dried white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, elegantly textural and layered, with refined structuring extract, a bright spine of acidity and excellent concentration, concluding with a long and precise finish. This cuvée amounts to some 50,000 bottles, effectively half the domaine's production, and it remains one of Champagne's finest values. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

This boasts rich flavors of pastry dough, blackberry, graphite and slivered almond, with a firm backbone of racy acidity. Well-knit, fine and harmonious overall. Hints of coffee liqueur, candied orange zest and abundant spice echo on the lasting finish. - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator

Egly's NV Brut Tradition Grand Cru is another stellar wine in this range. Rich Pinot fruit and a hint of oak give the Brut a decidedly exotic aromatic profile that follows through to the palate. Sweet wild flowers, spice, brioche, red plum and kirsch all open up in the glass. The Brut Grand Cru deftly balances a rich expression of Ambonnay fruit with notable vibrancy and freshness, which makes for an absolutely compelling and enticing NV Champagne. Egly gave the Brut Tradition 48 months on the lees, which is on the long side for a Champagne in its peer group. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media