90
BH
Notes:
In contrast to the expressiveness of the Zro Dosage, here the nose is discreet to the point of being almost shy with its timid aromas of quinine, lemon-lime and soft yeast nuances. There is exceptionally good richness to the full-bodied and concentrated medium-bodied flavors where the supporting mousse is on the softer side on the moderately dry finale. As with a number of examples from the 2012, this is a wine that could be enjoyed now or held for a few more years first. My inclination would be to drink it over the next five or so years. Burghound 90
- Producer: Founded in 1920 by Armand-Raphaël Graser, A.R. Lenoble remains one of Champagne's most respected independent family houses. Now led by Anne and Antoine Malassagne, the fourth generation has elevated the estate to new heights by focusing on sustainable viticulture, lower dosage, and long lees aging while preserving the house's hallmark elegance and precision. Farming approximately 18 hectares, with vineyards in Chouilly Grand Cru, Bisseuil Premier Cru, and Damery, Lenoble is unique in owning a significant portion of its own Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards. Every wine is produced with meticulous attention to detail, including reserve wines preserved under cork in magnums to maintain freshness before blending. The result is a collection of Champagnes that combine richness, remarkable purity, and exceptional aging potential while remaining faithful to the character of each terroir.
- Vineyard: This vintage Blanc de Blancs is produced exclusively from 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay grown in the celebrated village of Chouilly in the Côte des Blancs. Chouilly is known for producing Chardonnays that balance generosity with finesse, offering slightly broader fruit than neighboring villages while retaining the chalk-driven minerality that defines the Côte des Blancs. The 2012 vintage is sourced entirely from that harvest, allowing the unique personality of one of Champagne's finest recent vintages to shine through. The combination of mature Chardonnay vines, pure chalk soils, and the naturally concentrated 2012 growing season gives the wine both remarkable depth and extraordinary freshness.
- Winemaking: Produced entirely by the traditional method, the wine is gently pressed before fermentation in a combination of stainless steel tanks and 228-liter French oak barrels, adding subtle texture while preserving Chardonnay's purity. Following secondary fermentation, the Champagne remained more than 10 years on its lees in the house's historic cellars before disgorgement, developing exceptional complexity and an extraordinarily fine mousse. Finished as an Extra Brut with only 3 g/L dosage, the wine emphasizes precision and mineral expression over richness, allowing notes of toasted brioche, candied citrus, honey, fresh hazelnut, and chalk to unfold with remarkable elegance.
- Technical Details: Champagne Grand Cru AOC; Vintage 2012; 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs); Grand Cru vineyards in Chouilly, Côte des Blancs; traditional pressing; fermentation and élevage in stainless steel and 228-liter French oak barrels; more than 10 years sur lie; Extra Brut (3 g/L dosage); approximately 12.5% alcohol.
- Food Pairing: Lobster, Dover sole, turbot, scallops, oysters, roast chicken with cream sauce, veal, aged Comté, and mature goat cheeses all pair beautifully with this Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. The wine layers aromas of toasted brioche, candied apricot, honey, citrus peel, fresh hazelnut, and crushed chalk over a palate that is simultaneously rich, vibrant, and exceptionally precise. Its combination of extended lees aging, restrained dosage, and Grand Cru Chardonnay gives it both immediate appeal and the structure to continue evolving gracefully for another decade or more.
AR Lenoble Champagne Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012
Reviews:
Burghound: 90
AR Lenoble Champagne Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012
Sale price$95.00
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90
BH
AR Lenoble Champagne Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012
Sale price$95.00