Pierre Gimonnet & Fils 'Cuvée Oenophile' Extra Brut

Score

93

"The 2012 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Oenophile Non Dosé is showing very well, offering up a pure bouquet of citrus oil, wet stones and subtle hints of pan d'épices. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and chalky, with an incisive spine of acidity that's nicely integrated, good depth and concentration at the core and a long, mineral finish. Disgorged in April 2018 without dosage, it's a steely Blanc de Blancs will appeal to more than just the purists."

Score

92

"The 2012 Extra-Brut Oenophile is one of the more austere, clenched wines I have tasted in this generally radiant vintage. Bright and punchy, with tremendous energy, the 2012 makes its case more on persistence and energy than with volume. A range of floral, citrus and mineral notes build as this wiry, taut Champagne develops in the glass. This is an especially reticent style, and yet there is so much to like. Disgorged: April 18, 2018."

Score

93

"Gimonnet's 2010 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Oenophile Non Dosé is the same blend as his cuvée Fleuron this year, but it's disgorged without dosage. Showing beautifully, the wine bursts form the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp orchard fruit, fresh brioche and English walnuts. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, pure and precise, with a deep and elegantly textural core, racy acids and a chalky finish. Gimonnet tells me that he hadn't intended to produce this cuvée in this vintage but discovered just how good his Fleuron bottling was tasting without any dosage just six months ago and forthwith decided to release it under the Oenophile label."