"Ambonnay Grand Cru" Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

Score

94

"2021 was not the easiest year in the Montagne de Reims, but the south face's relative strength shines through in what is the pick of the Paillard's single-village releases from this year. It sidesteps some of the year's angularity in favour of something fluent, polished and citric. There's nectarine, pineapple and perfectly pitched charry and nutty oak nuances melding into a rewarding, focused expression of Pinot Noir."

Score

94

"The 2021 Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Ambonnay Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru sizzles with tension and energy. Bright red plum fruit, tangerine oil, mint, chalk, white pepper and slate all race across the palate. I would not be surprised if there is some Chardonnay here, as this offers notable tension and steely cut that are not typical of Pinot Noir in Ambonnay. Regardless, the 2021 is vivid and exceptionally beautiful. The Vieilles Vignes is a blend from the Aigremonts, Guillote and Village lieux-dits, all planted in the late 1960s. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2025."

Score

93

"A vinous Champagne, with a sense of breadth to its flavors of dried black currant and pear fruit, preserved lemon, biscuit, milled white pepper and dried mint on the palate. The broad-shouldered profile is carried on a fine, softly creamy mousse and sculpted by chiseled acidity, with an underpinning of minerally chalk and brine. Disgorged December 2025."

Score

91

"Sourced from purchased fruit from vines planted between 1966 and 1969 and disgorged in December 2025 with a dosage of three grams per liter, Paillard's 2021 Blanc de Noirs Ambonnay Grand Cru opens in the glass with aromas of orange peel, honeysuckle, pear and blanched almonds, intertwined with subtle yeasty nuances. Full-bodied and enveloping, it possesses a rich core of fruit. Broader and more ample than the Verzenay bottling, it is also somewhat less precise this year."