Champagne Egly-Ouriet Brut Rose Grand Cru NV Disgorged July 2017

Vintages: 2011 (60%), 2010 (20%) & 2009 (20%). Disgorged: May 2017

Time on lees: 58 months

One of the greatest rose wines of Champagne and a wine of haunting finesse. The blend, bottled in 2012, is 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay with 60% coming from 2011 and 40% vins de reserve (split equally between 2010 and 2009). Then there is the 5% Coteaux Champenois Rouge (arguably the finest red wine of the AOC) from the powerful 2009 harvest that gives the wine its colour and a great deal of character to boot. Dosage is a negligible 2g/l. We do not know of another rosé Champagne that can match Egly's version for purity and finesse. The fruit is from 100% Grand Cru vines, grown by one of the most meticulous vignerons of the region. Unbelievably fine, perfumed and 'Pinot' fruited, this is something truly special.

"Rumbling power with delicate finesse, this is a rose of medium salmon hue, bursting with the exuberance and beguiling transparency of Ambonnay pinot noir. Fragrant rosebuds and wild strawberries open into glorious depth of black cherry fruits of exacting ripeness, cherry kernel, fig and mixed spice. Very fresh and focussed for its age, with a universe of complexity lingering very long, precise and lively amidst fine chalk mineral texture." 96 points, Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide 2015-2016

Country: France
Region: Champagne