2012 Henri Giraud Cuvee Argonne
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Tasting notes
Tasting the 2012 Argonne is something that not many will have the opportunity to do. With fewer than 5,000 bottles produced, this is as rare as it gets in Champagne. When the opportunity does arise, however, there is no mistaking that one is in the company of true Champagne greatness. White truffle, sweet pastry, and light saline shellfish notes all hum harmoniously in this extraordinary champagne. Raised in 100% new oak you can feel the tension of the wine, yet its rich, ripe, fat texture beautifully counterpoints this nervous energy. Complex flavours and aromas continue as the wine opens up in the glass - white chocolate, pistachio, honeyed citrus fruits and earthy delicate white truffle notes all sing from the glass. Stunning!
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Argonne is superb. It is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay vinified in 100% new oak, which is barely perceptible. Silky, nuanced and incredibly refined, the 2012 opens to reveal layers of Mirabelle, dried flowers, orange zest and apricot. The interplay of Aÿ richness and more mineral inflections makes for an absolutely compelling Champagne. Unlike most releases of Argonne, the 2012 needs a few years in bottle to be at its best. Today, it is decidedly taut, but impressive just the same.
This is an extraordinary, hand-crafted Champagne with aromas of strawberries, spice, dried apples, clementines and subtle bread dough. Dried oranges, too. Full-bodied, yet so tight, compact and powerful with a solid core of fruit and a finish that goes on forever. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay, all from the village of Ay and fermented and aged in new wood for 15 months. Then aged in bottle. Superb structure and complexity. One for the cellar.
The bouquet is simply sumptuous with hints of mint and anise, overlying its 'al dente' or slightly crunchy white fruit, along with an enticing grace note of gentle spices. On the palate, the texture is fleshy, almost creamy, but perfectly balanced with remarkable overall precision, and enlivened by the stream of very fine bubbles. A great Champagne that manages the rare feat of having a style that is both vinous and delicate. 100% provenance from Aÿ. 100% new oak barrels. 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay. Only 5,000 bottles produced. Dosage: 6g/L, disgorged April 2020.
About the producer
Henri Giraud is one of the most exciting and pioneering Champagne houses today. Based in Äy, the property’s story begins in the early 17th century, when the Hémart family settled in the region.