Egly-Ouriet, Brut Millesime Grand Cru 2012

Broad and powerful, Egly's 2012 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is a serious, vinous Champagne somewhat reminiscent of his brilliant 2002. Delivering complex aromas of pear, honeycomb, orange oil, sweet stone fruits, praline and freshly baked bread, it's full-bodied, deep and muscular, with a multidimensional core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. Complex and compelling, readers will have a hard time choosing between the power and texture of 2012 and the quintessentially elegant, seamless 2013. Both are benchmarks for what contemporary Champagne can achieve.

The 2012 Brut Millésime Grand Cru is a Champagne of tremendous finesse and nuance, with the Chardonnay really driving the balance today. Chalk, white pepper, mint, sage and dried pear are some of the notes that come alive in the glass. Readers will find a brilliant, finely cut Champagne endowed with tremendous energy, especially for the year. This is pure class.