Agrapart & Fils, Mineral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016

Sharp and focused with very fine bubbles. Precise. Lots of almonds, lemon peel, crushed stones, white pepper and apricot stones, as well as white pears. This has captured so much energy, with a long and refined finish. 100% chardonnay. 3g/L dosage. Disgorged May 2022. Drink or hold.

From Les Bionnes in Cramant (vinified in barrel) and Champbouton in Avize (vinified in tank), two parcels that share a similar geological profile, Agrapart's 2016 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral offers up aromas of crisp stone fruits, wet stones, lemon oil and fresh mint. Full-bodied, satiny and vinous, with terrific texture and cut, it's a vibrant, dynamic wine that's worth a special effort to seek out.

The 2016 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Minéral Grand Cru is quite pretty and soft in this release, with a very gentle mousse that is barely perceptible. As the name implies, the Minéral is meant to reflect the personality of limestone-rich soils, in this case in Cramant and Avize, but the 2016 is a decidedly quiet, understated edition. I would prefer to drink this on the earlier side. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: July, 2022.