2013 Henri Giraud Cuvee Argonne
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Tasting notes
This characteristically rich cuvée is deep in colour, with a shimmering copper hue. The nose is stylishly oaky and creamy with loads of almond biscuit, tarte tartin, smoke, caramel and baking spices. The tension on the palate comes from the impeccable mineral line that is enveloped by a soft mousse and full-bodied, mouth filling white chocolate and nutty decadence, while remaining fresh, linear, elegant and tight. This is sure to have a long life ahead with all those powerful, oak-driven notes integrating further and that racy mineral tension to carry this classic Henri Giraud the distance.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Brut Grand Cru Aÿ Argonne is the latest in a series of superb releases from Giraud. Unwinding in the glass with notes of buttered toast, crisp yellow orchard fruit, honeycomb, warm spices and ripe stone fruits, it's full-bodied, deep and vinous, with a layered core of concentrated fruit, incisive acids and an elegant pearly mousse. Long and penetrating, it's finer-boned than its richer, more muscular 2012 predecessor; but like that more structured wine, it will reward bottle age.
Tart tartine, brioche, green apple, and hints of ripe fresh herbs. Menthol, too. It’s very direct and powerful with vivid acidity and a dry, racy finish. Tight and compressed with an elegant structure. Linear and very energetic. Turns decadent and flavorful at the end. Shows the cold growing season. Subtle and complex. Single-vineyard wine. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay. Drink or hold.
The 2013 Argonne is a typical Giraud Champagne built on textural opulence and vinous intensity. Apricot, nutmeg, spice, honey vanillin and new oak infuse the 2013 with striking dimension. Vinification and aging in 100% new oak exalts the natural richness of these old, south-facing vineyards in Aÿ. This is a fabulous showing for a vintage that saw quite a bit of rain and disease pressure right before harvest. As always, Argonne is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 15, 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.