Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Oenophile Non Dose Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru 2008 (750ML)

96 JS / 94 JD / 93 VM / 17 JR

A very rich Blanc de Blancs champagne that doesn’t taste bone-dry, thanks to the stunning harmony. Tons of dried pear and apple character is married to a wonderfully creamy and silky palate, the chalky minerality building beautifully at the long, refined finish. A cuvée based on wines from the Grand Cru villages of Chouilly (one third), Cramant (one third) and Oger (10%), plus the 1er Cru villages of Cuis (20%) and Vertus (2%). Disgorged in February, 2021. Drink now.—James Suckling

The first of the three vintages of this cuvée that I tasted, the 2008 Champagne Cuvée Oenophile Extra Brut is expressive of more confected pastry, with lemon curd, sponge cake, and white floral perfume. It is zippy and linear on the palate, with tautness all the way through, and fresh lime, green apple candy, and fantastic density throughout. Refreshing and saline, this is a fantastic wine to drink over the next 15-20 years.--Audrey Fick, Jeb Dunnuck.

The 2008 Extra-Brut Non-Dosé Oenophile is rich, creamy and beautifully textured, yet maintains the brightness and focus that are such signatures of the house style. A Champagne of real depth and power, the 2008 is a wine for the dinner table. The non-dosage style seems to really bring out resonance and intensity. Fruit sources are Cramant, Choully, Oger (all Grand Crus), plus Cuis and Vertus (both 1er Crus). Disgorged: September 2015. -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

100% Chardonnay. Essentially the 2008 Fleuron with zero dosage. 33.5% Cramant, 32.5% Chouilly, 10% Oger (all grands crus), 22% Cuis premier cru, 2% Vertus. Stainless steel. 8 months on lees. Malo done. Bottled April 2009. 5–6 years on lees. Dosage 0 g/l.
Lots of evolution and satisfaction on the nose. Relatively ripe start and quite enough ripe fruit to compensate for zero dosage. Pungent, well-balanced wine – one of the best non-dosé examples in this tasting. Smoky finish. - Jancis Robinson