Egly-Ouriet Premier Cru Les Vignes De Vrigny NV

The NV Brut Les Vignes de Vrigny 1er Cru is gorgeous in the way it balances the natural depth of Meunier with real energy and vibrancy. Dried pear, spice and crushed flowers all open in the glass, but what impresses me about this release of Egly’s pure Meunier is its translucence and finesse. The Vignes de Vrigny is so expressive and gorgeous in this release. Disgorged: July, 2020. 92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (previous base)

100% Pinot Meunier from a single, 40-year-old, south facing vineyard in Vrigny (very close to Gueux, where Jérôme Prévost is based). Straight Pinot Meunier remains a rarity in Champagne, and in Egly’s hands it is something unique. Low yields, old vines and ripe fruit make this one of the most intense, layered and opulent Meunier wines around. It’s spicy, fruity, fleshy, yet very mineral. Bottled without filtration. Dosage for this bottling was a tiny one gram per litre.