75cl
Champagne Egly Ouriet Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2008
Vendor code : 288
Amid the gentle hills of Ambonnay, Egly-Ouriet stands out for producing Champagnes that combine intensity with finesse. This family-owned Domaine adheres to a philosophy of minimal intervention and precise attention to detail, both in the vineyard and the cellar. Their Champagnes showcase a harmonious blend of fruit, acidity, and minerality, enhanced by the depth that comes from extended aging. For those in search of a Champagne that truly reflects its terroir, Egly-Ouriet is a remarkable choice—particularly the rare Egly-Ouriet Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2008.
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Egly-Ouriet Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2008, with a dosage of 5 grams per litre, exceeds even the wildest expectations. This Champagne combines the craftsmanship of an outstanding winemaker at the peak of his career with the character of a historic vintage and is, without doubt, one of the finest examples of the 2008 vintage. As William Kelly noted, "The Brut Grand Cru Millésime 2008 will be worth any effort to find once it is on the market." The wine was aged on lees for 11 years, the grapes were harvested by hand, and vinification was carried out in barriques using natural yeasts. The multi-layered aroma reveals praline, honey, walnuts, orchard fruit, and citrus oil. The flavour surprises with penetrating precision and intellectual complexity, leaving a lasting impression. This Champagne promises to remain unforgettable for decades to come. Wine Advocate has awarded it a perfect 100 points. It is recommended for drinking between 2025 and 2050.
Egly-Ouriet is a grower Champagne producer located in the village of Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims. Established by the Egly family, the domaine has been passed down through generations, with Francis Egly currently at the helm. He has become one of the most respected figures in Champagne due to his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking. The domaine’s holdings cover approximately 12 hectares, with a significant portion situated in Ambonnay, a village classified as Grand Cru. These vineyards are predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, reflecting the terroir’s suitability for this grape. Additional parcels are located in Verzenay, Bouzy, and Vrigny. Notably, Vrigny is planted with Pinot Meunier, a grape that Egly-Ouriet uses to craft one of the few single-varietal Meunier Champagnes in the region. Egly-Ouriet is known for its commitment to low yields, ensuring concentrated fruit, and practices that promote soil health and biodiversity. The domaine avoids synthetic chemicals, focusing instead on sustainable farming methods. The philosophy extends to the cellar, where minimal intervention allows the quality of the fruit and terroir to shine. The wines undergo long aging on lees, far exceeding the minimum requirements for Champagne. This aging process adds depth and complexity to the final product. The base wines are fermented in oak barrels, which is less common in the region but has become a hallmark of Egly-Ouriet’s style. The use of oak is carefully managed to integrate seamlessly without dominating the wine. Egly-Ouriet also refrains from heavy filtration and fining, preferring to preserve the natural characteristics of the wine. Dosage levels are kept low, aligning with the domaine’s emphasis on purity and the expression of terroir. Each bottle is disgorged with the date marked on the label, a practice that reflects transparency and provides valuable information for collectors and consumers. Among the cuvées, the “Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes” stands out. This wine is produced exclusively from old-vine Pinot Noir planted in 1946 on a south-facing slope in Ambonnay. The yields are particularly low, and the wine’s production is limited, making it highly sought after. Other notable wines include the “Les Vignes de Vrigny,” crafted entirely from Pinot Meunier, and the “Grand Cru Millésime,” which highlights the best grapes from exceptional vintages. The domaine has gained recognition not only for its high standards but also for its focus on the individuality of each vineyard. By vinifying and aging wines separately, Egly-Ouriet can adapt its practices to the specific needs of each parcel. This approach underscores the producer’s respect for Champagne’s diverse terroirs. Francis Egly’s dedication to precision and quality has positioned Egly-Ouriet among the most admired grower Champagnes. His wines are appreciated by enthusiasts and connoisseurs who value authenticity and a connection to the land. By maintaining traditional practices while incorporating thoughtful innovations, Egly-Ouriet has become a benchmark for artisanal Champagne production.
Reviews from critics
100/100
1 points
95-100
1
90-94
0
85-89
0
80-84
0
75-79
0
0-74
0
Wine Advocate
William Kelley: "Revisited from the July 2019 disgorgement, Egly's 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime was showing as brilliantly as ever. The wine seemed to shut down a little in early 2020, but it is already beginning to unwind, and this was the most expressive bottle that I've drunk to date. Offering up an incipiently complex bouquet of orchard fruit, citrus oil, pralines and freshly baked bread, now complemented by hints of iodine, clear honey and mirabelle plum, it's full-bodied, deep and layered, with immense depth and concentration, racy acids and elegantly muscular structuring dry extract. Long and penetrating, as I've written before, this wine is a monument to what Champagne's grower revolution has achieved over the last 30 or so years".
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