Henri Giraud Grand Cru d'Ay Blanc de Blancs 2015

Henri Giraud’s Aÿ Blanc de Blancs is a study in precision, minerality and quiet power. Sourced from tiny Chardonnay parcels in the Pinot-Noir heartland of Aÿ, it delivers a style that is both tense and textural, with the signature Giraud oak framing. The bouquet is elegant yet expressive: white flowers, lemon zest, green apple, chalk dust, hazelnut, and light pastry. The palate is chiselled, linear and energetic, showing tight citrus, fine stone fruit, flinty minerality and beautifully integrated Argonne oak giving subtle spice and creamy depth. The wine finishes long, saline, and refined, with a vintage-driven line of acidity and superb ageing potential.

95 Points - James Suckling

A structured and broad-shouldered blanc de blancs with very tight bubbles and layers of spices, dried citrus peel, toast and minerals. Very expressive, complex and layered, honing in at the end with precision and plenty of firmness. Integrated phenolics give this tension for a hot vintage. Lightly bitter at the end. 100% chardonnay from a single parcel in Ay. Drink or hold.