Champagne Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut NV

Champagne Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut
Champagne Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut comes from a family that has farmed vines in Bouzy since 1492 and founded their own Champagne house in 1741, once serving as official printmakers to the court of Louis XV, a history reflected in the classic labels still used today. Jean-Francois Clouet, the current winemaker, draws fruit exclusively from around eight hectares of mid-slope Grand Cru vineyards across Bouzy and Ambonnay, planted entirely to Pinot Noir. Half the blend comes from reserve wines, some dating back to 2002, and the finished wine spends around three years on lees before release, building real depth without losing freshness.

What the winery says:
Expect a fresh, fine and aromatic style built on white fruit with toasted, smoky notes, sweet citrus, red berries and a chalky minerality drawn from the vineyards' soils. The palate is round and delicate, fruity and creamy with a finely integrated bead, finishing long with hints of pastry, toasted nuts and a touch of salinity. It's a Champagne built to show what pure Grand Cru Pinot Noir and patient lees ageing can do without any vintage variation to hide behind.

What the experts say:
Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (NV) - 95 points
Grower Champagne (they own eight hectares of vineyard and buy from other growers) from the best middle slopes of Bouzy and Ambonnay. A total of 50% of the blend is from older reserve wines from 2014, 2013, 2012, 2008, 2005, 2004, and 2002. Made from 100% pinot noir from Grand Crus vineyards in the Bouzy subregion. Four years en tirage. It has an almost perfumed aroma with chocolate box, cherry blossom flavours and a good influence of bready and toasted nut autolysis.

James Suckling (NV) - 93 points
The effusive nose of candied citrus, ripe pear and brioche pulls you into this fresh and creamy champagne that hits all the pleasure buttons for a non-vintage Brut. Then the chalky freshness at the finish pulls you back for another sip. Excellent balance! 100% pinot noir. Drink now.

Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate (NV) - 91 points
The NV Brut Grand Réserve Grand Cru is a pure Pinot Noir from Bouzy. It's pure, fresh, fine and aromatic on the nose and round and delicate on the palate. The fruit-intense finish is chalky-mineral and stimulatingly fresh in its salty finesse and elegant yeastiness. Nice lemon juice flavors give an extra kick of refreshment. This is a picture-book NV Brut.