Champagne Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 'Les Crayeres' VV Extra Brut

Score

98

"Year after year, Egly's NV Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayeres remains one of the most compelling and reliable wines from the Montagne de Reims. The wine ascends from the glass with a bouquet of remarkable complexity—aromas of acacia, ripe pear, orange zest, toasted nuts and patisserie elements unfurl. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with ample chalky structuring extract and mouthwatering acidity, it concludes with a long, saline finish. While I often vacillate between Les Crayeres and the Millésime as to which I favor, this year, Les Crayeres stands as the most captivating wine in the cellar. It offers immense youthful appeal yet promises to evolve beautifully with age. Readers would be wise not to hesitate—it fully lives up to its reputation, and I'd gladly secure bottles for my own cellar."

Score

96

"Initially reticent upon release, this cuvée's explosive, char-fuelled energy of fruits of the forest, dried apple and subtle roasted spices is delivered with a beautifully measured intensity, saturated with flavour before its drying, stony close. Highly expressive, yet still under considerable tension; for all its outgoing aromatics, there's a beguiling inner finesse here. Made from 100% Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, based on 2014 with reserves from 2013. Fermented in barrel, disgorged in September 2021."