NV Coteaux Champenois Collection Case (2x2019, 1x2009)

This three-bottle case is a rare release of two Coteaux Champenois from Henri Giraud. The House’s still wines are made from the Grand Cru vineyards of Aÿ in Champagne. The 2019 Cuvée de Croix Courcelles is stunning. The nose is very precise with lemon citrus, a stony minerality, and saline, oyster-shell aromas that jump from the glass. The palate is incredibly fresh. The mineral accuracy is distinct on the palate with a vibrant, yet serious intensity and medium body. It is hard to believe this is less than 11% alcohol with such a full flavour profile and long finish. This is a true eye-opener for what can be achieved with still wine in Champagne. The 2009 is utterly moreish, and fuller in body than the 2019 tasted alongside – as the extra bottle age here has added depth, richness and texture. This is a real “wow” wine with a distinct minerality that defines the palate alongside citrus, now more preserved rather than fresh with maturity – alongside yeasty, bready, brioche notes on the mid-palate. The long finish is reminiscent of fine Burgundy. The richness and intensity make this a perfect food-pairing wine. Both wines were aged in 100% new Argonne oak for 15 months. Just 2,200 bottles were made in 2019 and 1,920 bottles in 2009. The 2019 is bottled in a standard Burgundy bottle, while the 2009 is bottled in an Henri Giraud Champagne bottle. Each case contains one bottle (75cl) of 2009 Coteaux Champenois, Aÿ Blanc, Grand Cru, Henri Giraud and two bottles (75cl) of 2019 Coteaux Champenois, Aÿ Blanc, Grand Cru, Cuvée de Croix Courcelles, Henri Giraud.