2016 Henri Giraud Cuvee Argonne
Buying options
Tasting notes
This is a typically vinous example of Henri Giraud’s prestige cuvée, Argonne – offering remarkable intensity, concentration and power. The nose entices with notes of baked apples, ripe peach, cedar spice, cinnamon, clove, saffron and vanilla pod, leading to a mouth-filling, round and generous palate – creamy and vibrant. It’s rich yet fresh, with a bit of lemon citrus cutting through its density, before a rush of sherbet fizz, a drizzle of honeycomb and dollop of crème pâtissière. Layered, complex and offering gorgeous tension – with energy that drives the long finish. This is amazingly approachable already, but the oak will benefit from integration as the wine evolves in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Brut Grand Cru Aÿ Argonne stands as the pinnacle of superb releases from Champagne Henri Giraud. Evoking aromas of apricot, mirabelle, licorice, anise, ripe orchard fruits and spices, it's full-bodied, rich and vinous, with a deep, concentrated core of fruit and sappy acids, concluding with a long, penetrating, racy finish enhanced by aromas of gentian and sweet spices. A blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay from the grand cru village of Aÿ, vinified and matured in barrels, it was disgorged in February 2023. Kudos!
This is a powerful but elegant wine with a wealth of citrus-fruit freshness, blood orange and grapefruit, as well as toast, dried citrus blossom, white lavender, clove, cardamom and spices. Tense and driven, with so much mineral freshness and focus. Very tight bead of bubbles. Endless finish. This will age incredibly well, but you are want to drink it right away. Try after 2026.
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.