2006 Henriot Cuvee Hemera

It’s only the second release of this wine, which replaced Enchanteleurs – a cuvée that had a serious following amongst Champagne fans. The Hemera is a blend of 50% Grand Cru Pinot Noir sourced entirely from the cooler north-facing villages of Mailly, Verzy and Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims and 50% Grand Cru Chardonnay sourced from Chouilly, Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. The Pinot Noir brings refined structure and richness, while the finest Chardonnay in Champagne brings focus and finesse. Tasting the wine, it is clear this is a very special Champagne. The integration and textural finesse is superb; the aromas and palate deep and complex, expressing both a detailed level of fruit and wonderful tertiary flavours. From the sunny 2006 vintage, it’s drinking beautifully now, although feels fresh and youthful in comparison to other 2006s, suggesting a long future too. The 2006 Cuvée Hemera has an impressively complex nose – both deep and expressive with undertones of caramel, sweet pastry and baked apple. Swirling the glass reveals more lifted mandarin, grapefruit, white flowers and light, peppery notes. It really is enticing. There’s great fruit clarity on the palate, distinct fresh red apple with mouth-watering freshness. The acidity is notably well integrated with the fruit, no doubt from the 12 years spent on lees, adding a silky textural quality. It’s voluminous and concentrated, without feeling heavy, a flash of salinity on the finish really adding lift. This is delicate, elegant and energised Champagne with fantastic balance and length.