Grand Cru Brut

The NV Brut Grand Cru Tradition, Egly-Ouriet's entry-level Champagne, is terrific. Rich, burnished and beautifully expressive, the Grand Cru Tradition flows across the palate with succulent yellow stone fruits, spices, dried flowers and rosemary. The broad, resonant style is hugely appealing and so typical of the Egly-Ouriet house style.

This is a great showing. The Grand Cru Tradition is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, all from sites in Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. Tiny amphitheatre shaped lieu-dit of vines planted in 1946. The essence of Pinot Noir. The NV Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères Vieilles Vignes is one of the more refined, polished wines I have ever tasted from Francis Egly.

Everything is simply in the right place. Mirabelle plum, hard candy, flowers, mint and chalk are all beautifully delineated in a super-classy, polished Champagne that showcases the Egly-Ouriet style at its very best. Lifted, gracious and precise, the Vieilles Vignes is simply magnificent.

The 25% new oak is totally integrated, even at this early stage. A blend of vintages that could not possibly be more complementary and display a surprising ageing that will give a great deal of satisfaction for over a decade.