Egly Ouriet Grand Cru 2014 (750ML)

97 WA / 96 DE

One of the very finest wines produced in this less heralded vintage is Egly's 2014 Brut Grand Cru Millésime, a strikingly vinous and enveloping Champagne that wafts from the glass with aromas of pear, mirabelle plum, freshly baked bread, almond paste and honeycomb. Full-bodied, satiny and layered, its textural attack segues into a deep, concentrated mid-palate of exceptional purity and cut, concluding with a long, penetrating and mouthwateringly saline finish. As ever, it's a blend of some 70% Pinot Noir with 30% Chardonnay from Ambonnay's greatest terroirs.-William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

The freshness of the 2014 vintage is felt without any of its slacker, looser characteristics in yet another example of Egly-Ouriet excelling in a variable year. In youth the roasted pear, apricot skin and honey-nut aromas sit still, restrained slightly in gingerbread spice and the firm framing of élevage, ready to spring with two to three years more on cork. A bright and fluid iteration of this wine, likely to hit its sweet spot with five to 10 years on cork. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from Ambonnay, all vinified in barrel.-Tom Hewson, Decanter

“No winemaker in Champagne is more precise or meticulous, from vineyard to cellar.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate

“Make no mistake about it, Egly-Ouriet is at the very top of the pecking order in Champagne today.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Francis Egly is the fourth generation of the Egly family to make wines from their exceptionally located, old vine vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay (home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir that can be found in all of Champagne), where he is considered the finest grower. Francis took over from his father Michel in 1980, with the intent and commitment to take these already revered Pinot Noir dominant Champagnes to the absolute apex of quality. He began using organic methods in the vineyards, with regular ploughing, and reduced yields. Once the grapes enter his cellar, Francis makes sure to only allow for the gentlest possible extraction, of which he only keeps the purest first pressing (known as the cuvée). Francis believes deeply that complexity and structure comes not only from perfect fruit, but also from extended lees aging. This belief is felt throughout his lineup, with most of his wines undergoing a minimum of 48 months on the lees with some cuvees being aged for 100+ months! All of this meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar has led to his standing by both his peers, critics and Champagne lovers across the world as one of the greatest growers in all of France.

Practicing organic
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
From old vines in Ambonnay
Indigenous yeast
No malo
Fermented and aged in barrel (10% new)
Aged 96 months on the lees
Dosage: 2g/L
Unfined and unfiltered