Champagne Henriot Cuvee Hemera 2006

Champagne Henriot Cuvée Hemera 2006 is a magnificent, prestigious, and luminous prestige cuvée that serves as a brilliant homage to the Greek goddess of daylight. Produced only in exceptional years, this extraordinary wine is crafted using an equal division of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir meticulously sourced entirely from the house's six founding Grand Cru villages: Avize, Chouilly, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs, alongside Mailly-Champagne, Verzy, and Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims. In the glass, it presents a radiant yellow-gold appearance with a steady stream of microscopic, gossamer bubbles. The highly expressive and complex bouquet opens with rich notes of sourdough, fresh brioche, and acacia honey, beautifully supported by a core of apricot, stewed citrus fruits, and candied lemon peel. On the palate, it delivers a masterful, velvety texture and deep intensity where a rich, creamy weight is perfectly countered by a crisp, laser-like vein of natural acidity and a saline, chalky minerality. Having been aged for a minimum of 12 years on its fine lees with a remarkably low dosage, it culminates in a long, ethereal, and beautifully precise finish with light toasty, smoky, and nutty undertones.

Food Pairing: Pairs flawlessly with fresh pan-seared sea scallops, butter-poached lobster tails, roasted duck breast with citrus glaze, or rich white truffle risotto.

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast

This mature wine is finely structured with a delicate mousse and forward toast and brioche flavors. At the same time, the texture and the white fruits are still there, creating a magnificent Champagne with texture and richness in a taut, tight package. Drink the wine now.

94 Points - James Suckling

Mature and generous nose of baked raspberries, figs, cocoa, honeycomb, marmalade, praline and apricot pie. It’s medium-to full-bodied with vibrant acidity and very creamy bubbles. Saline undertones with lovely salted-caramel notes. Expansive. Equal blend of Grand Cru pinot noir and chardonnay. 5g/l dosage. Drink now or hold.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

Refined and minerally, with a pleasing plushness to the mouthfeel, this elegant Champagne offers delicate notes of juicy nectarine, grated ginger, toast point and spun honey, all backed by well-knit, zesty acidity, driving the lingering finish with accents of smoke and saline. Drink now through 2030.