DESCRIPTION
Decanter 90
"Meticulous winemaking here has given a Champagne with poise and floral elegance alongside magically married grip and lift. There is a comforting richness and well balanced fruit." (January, 2018)
James Suckling 92
"An impressive wine for the power and purity of fruit. Extremely assertive peach and lemon citrus aromas and flavors. The palate has a driving acid cut. Still very youthful, this can easily age for five or more years." (October, 2017)
Jancis Robinson 17/20
"Tense and dense on the nose. Great density and edginess. Nothing austere about this; lots to enjoy. Quite serious."
The Champagne Guide (Tyson Stelzer) 95
"One of the `Best Blanc de Blancs Champagnes of the Year`. The tension and definition of the energetic 2008 vintage is endearing in the opulent village of Chouilly, and Malassagne has sensitively matched the elegance of the vintage with a subtle 10% oak vinification and a very light dosage. Good gracious, such is the stamina of the season that this cuvée has not Evolved one iota since its release two years ago, upholding youthful lemon, pear and apple fruit of impressive poise and proportion amidst notes of lemon meringue. It`s propelled by a wonderful line of glistening 2008 acidity and pronounced, frothing salt mineral texture, elongating a finish of magnificent line and persistence. Oak lends an appealing, almost invisible note of vanilla and almond. A masterful and age-worthy contrast between the rounded intensity of Chouilly and the vivacious drive of a terrific season." (2018-2019 edition)
Wine Advocate (Stephan Reinhardt) 94
"The A R Lenoble 2008 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Chouilly Brut Millésime displays a beautifully intense and golden shining citrus color. This has amazing richness and gentleness on the nose but, at the same time, delicacy, precision and finesse! This bouquet is perfectly ripe and generous but also fine and fresh, representing the chalky soils and warm microclimate of Chouilly as well as perfectly ripe and healthy fruit. Any 2008 austerity here? Negative! The attack on the palate is as fine and fresh as it is pure, piquant and aromatic. Ripe and juicy fruit flavors such as pineapples, lemons and limoncello intermix with a round and creamy but by no means bold or heavy texture that is actually marked by chalk powder and iodine flavors on the finish. In fact, this 2008 Chouilly is delicate and filigreed as well as firmly structured. To me, it is an icon wine for Chouilly, and I highly recommend it, even if only to understand the highly diverse terroirs of Champagne, even in the Côte des Blancs where Chouilly is the most northern village next to Cuis. A small part (10%) of the wine was aged in oak. The finish of the 2008 is fresh and light but also intense and persistent. This is a great vin de terroir, and to be honest, I couldn't stop drinking it!" (September, 2018)
Wine & Spirits 92
"The cool, late 2008 season shows in this brisk chardonnay from Chouilly. A small proportion of the blend was vinified in oak, adding a hint of vanilla to support the fresh pear and apple flavors. There’s also a springtime scent of orange blossoms carried on the mineral acidity. A wine of clarity and length, this is made to serve with food, like an oyster pan roast."
Wine Enthusiast (Roger Voss) 93
"This is a fine wine from a great vintage. Still young, it is already showing great swathes of apple and tight citrus fruit cut with lemon zest. It has a crisp character, packed with acidity that will soften while always there. Drink this wine from 2018." (December, 2015)
Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) 91
"Meyer lemon and smoke notes are layered with flavors of glazed nectarine, almond skin and biscuit in this racy Champagne. Chalky and sleek, with a subtle finish. Drink now through 2023." (November, 2016)
