NV Henri Giraud Grand Cru Ay Fut de Chene MV15

MV15 is a multi-vintage blend based on the 2015 vintage, 80% Grand Cru Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, aged in specially selected oak from the terroirs of the Argonne forest. William Kelley said of the 2013 base iteration that it was “the finest Champagne that I have ever tasted from Giraud”. Whilst the MV15 is not yet scored, having tasted it last week we can attest to its magnificence once again. The warm 2015 vintage lends power and opulence, whilst the 30% perpetual reserve (with wines dating back to 1990) perfectly balance it with stunning complexity and nuance. The location of Henri Giraud’s Chardonnay plots at the bottom of the slope in Aÿ, with the river meandering along the bottom providing cooling air, ensures freshness even in a warm vintage. The wood selected for this cuvée is the seasoning – never overwhelming, merely accentuating the natural sweetness and spice of this extraordinarily vinous Grand Cru Champagne. Champagne lovers have come to see the once enigmatic house (Robert Parker referred to “the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of”), as the ultimate symbol of understated luxury and superior quality, producing “some of the most distinctive wines in Champagne” (Antonio Galloni). Jancis Robinson has called MV “a sort of Montrachet of Champagne” and indeed each new release proves as thrilling as the last. This is produced in extremely limited quantities and is likely to sell out fast. To secure a case, click 'Request To Buy' below, reply to this email (wine@frw.co.uk) or contact your account manager directly. Stunning aromatics, sun-warmed strawberries and sweet cream, fresh mint and shortbread develop into ripe white peach, saffron and sultana notes. With more air, notes of toasted coffee and marrons glacé emerge. This is opulent, expressive Champagne: rich and ripe with hints of the holy Champagne trinity of pastry, shellfish and truffles, plus white chocolate notes spelling absolute luxury. At the same time it retains great tension, poise and a refreshing underlying chalky minerality.