1998 Henriot Cuvee des Enchanteleurs
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Only made in the best years, Cuvée des Enchanteleurs is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards – and this 1998 is gorgeous. These magnums were disgorged in 2016, giving the wine additional time on lees, as well as a little additional post-disgorgement ageing. It’s hard to believe the wine is as old as the label suggests, such is the wine’s freshness. It is saline, mineral and pure – the palate driven by vibrant acidity and fine-textured creamy mousse, while the Pinot Noir broadens the palate, adding structure and weight that frames the Chardonnay’s finesse. With notes of honeycomb, marzipan, almond blossom and lemon peel, the wine builds towards a long, smoky, steely, finish. Superb Champagne – and, like everything, only better in magnum.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Juhlin
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Many of you contacted me and were outraged when I rejected my first oxidative bottle. Now I know better. Here's a bold silky concentration and completely harmonious style. No roasting and maybe a little bit too soft for really long life, but clear similarities with the 1998 La Grande Dame
Like finely woven silk, this offers beautiful texture, sublime balance and integration. Rich apple pastry, candied orange peel, crystallized honey and dried apricot flavors are layered with hints of smoke, sea salt and toasted nut. Lovely, with a fresh, persistent finish. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
The 1998 Brut Cuvée des Enchanteleurs flows from the glass with juicy yellow peaches, apricots, mint, flowers and light honey. The wine shows gorgeous textural depth along with an utterly refined, impeccable mousse. All the flavors meld together seamlessly on the rich, buttery finish. This is a beautiful, complete Enchanteleurs to drink now and over the next handful of years. The 1998 is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Champagne Mailly, Verzy, Verzenay, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize and Chouilly, all Grand Cru villages. This is Lot # L1112320111.