Egly-Ouriet: New Arrivals

"Egly-Ouriet champagnes are rich in flavor and bold in presence, with a pronounced vinosity and a demanding intensity of character. Dosage is extremely low, typically between one and three grams per liter across the range, which adds to the uncompromising personality of these wines. They are capable of great complexity and finesse, aided by their long lees aging, and if there are any champagnes that fit the often-used description of “Burgundy with bubbles,” Egly-Ouriet’s would be the leading candidates." 
—Peter Liem

Brut Les Prémices NV $94.00
From vines in sandy and clay based soils near Reims at Trigny, Les Prémices ("beginnings") is 1/3 each Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Like all his wines, the grapes are hand-harvested, indigenous yeasts only, unfined and unfiltered - and but a dosage of only 2 grams. Aged in bottles for three years and coming from 40+ year-old vines, this is blended from 2016, 2015 and 2014. Savory, mineral-infused, vibrant, peppery and precise - the Les Prémices is a great beginning for Egly.

NV Premier Cru Brut ‘Les Vignes de Bisseuil’ $113.00
80% Chardonnay, 10% pinot noir, 10% pinot meunier from south-facing old vines in the premier cru vineyard of Bisseuil near Ay. 48 months on lees with 2g/L dosage, based on the 2018 vintage.

NV Grand Cru Brut (Tradition) $150.00
So good! Great... Egly's Grand Cru Brut is from estate vines planted in the '70s in Ambonnay, Verzenay and Bouzy - all terroirs at the top of the heap. It is NV because this newly released wine is from a base of 2018 with additions from other years. 48 months sur lie with just 1g/L dosage. 70% Egly's trademark Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. In addition to the older vintage wine to begin with the Grand Cru brut was also aged an additional three years in the bottle. Fantastic wine!

NV Grand Cru Extra Brut V.P. $195.00
V.P. - Vieillissement Prolongé: aka extended aging... Aged in bottles for eight years - we've waited a while for this one! From mostly Pinot Noir with a third of Chardonnay. The Grand Cru limestone and chalk are clear in this concentrated and powerful wine - often considered an "insiders", if you've not had the Egly V.P. you are in for more than a treat and if you are familiar then you know.

NV Grand Cru Brut Rosé $195.00
It is not proper to say this is my favorite Rosé, so. The new arrival is a bit more than 2/3rd's of Pinot Noir and most of the rest Chardonnay, with 5% Ambonnay Rouge. Chalk and limestone prevail in the ground of the vines, while black fruit, spice, wildflowers, and a classic chalky/stony essence make up the finish - that and lots of length. Sadly, very limited.

NV Blanc de Noirs Les Crayeres Grand Cru (2023 Disgorgement) $451.50
The vines for this monumental wine - 100% Pinot Noir - were planted in 1946. The Grand Cru vineyard is south-facing in Ambonnay with thin topsoils over rich chalk (Crayeres means chalk) which helps give the wine its intensity, complexity, verve and awesome drive. Not much to add here - a great wine.

William Kelley notes: ”Disgorged this spring, the new rendition of Egly's NV Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères is a blend of the 2014 and 2013 vintages…I suspect this is likely to evolve along similar lines to its 2009-2008 counterpart: which is to say, superbly.” (97 points, WA)

2014 Grand Cru Brut Millésime $582.00 net
A monster classic Champagne. 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. Estate vineyards (planted in the 1970s) are located in Ambonnay. Hand-harvested. Fermented on indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. Aged for nine years in bottle. Dosage 1 gram. One of the very finest wines produced in this less heralded vintage is Egly's 2014 Brut Grand Cru Millésime, a strikingly vinous and enveloping Champagne that wafts from the glass with aromas of pear, mirabelle plum, freshly baked bread, almond paste and honeycomb. Full-bodied, satiny and layered, its textural attack segues into a deep, concentrated mid-palate of exceptional purity and cut, concluding with a long, penetrating and mouthwateringly saline finish. (97 points, William Kelley, WA)