2014 Henri Giraud Cuvee Argonne

Made in tiny quantities (just 5,000 bottles), Argonne is named after the forest which epitomises the Henri Giraud wines. The base wine is matured in new barrels from these woods – hand-selected by Chef de Cave Sébastien le Golvet. After six years on lees, the wine develops tremendous depth, structure and intensity. The 2014 is subtle and finer-boned than some other releases, yet with remarkable purity and precision. It is muted at first – with an almost austere restraint when poured. With a little air, delicate aromas of sherbet, green apple, pastry, sugared almonds, chalky minerality and bright Amalfi lemon reveal themselves, complemented by freshly crumbled amaretti. The palate is firm but linear in structure, long and fine, driven by lemon pith and an iodine, almost ferrous, note that makes for a moreish, saline finish. The mousse is incredibly fine-textured, creamy with layers of crème pâtissière, flat white peach and wild strawberry. Precise and enchanting Champagne that will evolve beautifully in bottle. Blend: 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay

FINE+RARE  (June 2022)