Champagne Paul Déthune Blanc de Noirs Les Crayères Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016

Les Crayères is aptly named after the soil content upon which it sits, as limestone and chalk are the hallowed base of this cuvée’s vines. It’s a mineral-driven beauty with all of the best characteristics of a great Champagne, and a perfect expression of the 1.5-hectare plot of over 50-year-old vines. A judicious use of liqueur d’expedition at only 5 grams per liter ensures that the brilliance of the wine shines, not the makeup that might mask its flavors and textures. With 56 months on the lees, it has a richness that’s further enhanced by the virtue of the grapes grown in Ambonnay. This wine is 100% Pinot Noir, aged in 205-liter Champagne barrels and bottled without filtration.

If you’re new to this family, the Déthune name is gold in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. They’ve been growing grapes in the region since the 1600s, and are the second-oldest family in Ambonnay. They know a thing or two about grape growing, and Pinot Noir in general, and their cuvées, including the Les Crayères Extra Brut, tastes just like the royalty they are. 

Powerfully rich, impressively intense, and playfully elegant, this Champagne is exceptional even now, but there is no denying it – the best years are yet to come! Enticing aromas of cherry blossoms, rose water, lime leaf, and fresh-from-the-oven brioche saunter out the glass (and speaking of glass – definitely opt for the wide-mouthed Burgundy bowls on this one, friends). The bubbles explode on the tongue – revealing flavors of Pink Lady apples, jasmine tea with a squeeze of lemon, saltwater taffy, and sushi ginger, all with this tingly vein of chipped river rocks throughout. It's a complex and powerful finish that goes on, and on, seemingly forever! This is an immaculate, powerful Champagne, and one you’ll be thrilled to add to your collection.