Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru Extra Brut VP NV (Base 09. Disg. May 2017)

Vintages: Equal parts 2009, 2008 & 2007. Disgorged: May 2017. Time on lees: 80 months. The V.P. stands for ‘Vieillissement Prolongé’ (prolonged ageing), as the wine spends so long on lees. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the fruit comes from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay – all great Grand Cru terroirs. Vinification and élevage is in oak casks, with the dosage being just over 2g/l, so Extra Brut. The power of the fruit, plus the extended lees ageing grants such harmony, such length, so much complexity and texture, that the dosage seems irrelevant. A vinous, pure Champagne of great stature. Powerful, yet with so much finesse. After some seven years in Egly’s cellar, this cuvée is truly singing.