Champagne AR Lenoble Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012

Alcohol: 12%

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Localization: Champagne, France

Tasting notes: Chardonnay from Grand Cru Chouilly yields some of the finest Champagne for a reason: It delivers a powerful, palpable level of minerality in the form of oyster shell, crushed white stone, and chalk. It’s all there in today’s long-aged 2012 from AR Lenoble. After releasing the cork, the wine hits the glass with intensity, bubbling up with a fierce mousse that quickly dissipates to reveal a bright straw-yellow core with silver reflections. The nose oozes white-gloved delicacy first and foremost, but with a wonderful richness that constantly evolves from ripe orchard fruit, peach, and apricot, to salt-preserved lemon, citrus blossoms, lees, and honeysuckle. Treat yourself to this exceptional champagne of great pureness and rare elegance.

94 points Roger Voss: Grand cru Chardonnay and a low dosage set this Champagne up for a great future. That is to say, with its concentrated minerality contrasting with Meyer lemon fruitiness, the wine is only just hinting at some nuttiness and has far to go. Drink from 2022.

The Domain: AR Lenoble is a rare breed in Champagne—both a highly respected house and independently owned since day one. This is a family resolute in keeping operations close-knit and crafting the greatest, purest expressions from an impressive collection of elite vineyards. Although sporting a mere two-gram dosage, it works masterfully here, adding ample body and texture to each lengthy, richly flavored sip. This is the epitome of Grand Cru blanc de blancs!