Henriot Cuvée 38 (Magnum)

Vinous

An addition to the range, the MV Cuve 38 is a real knock-out. The Cuve 38 is a perpetual reserve of the house's best Chardonnay from the Grand Cru villages of Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Avize and Oger. Lifted and precise, with the cut of a jewel, the Cuve 38 impresses with its energy and tension. Lemon oil and a host of citrus-inflected notes appear first, followed by white pepper, mint and floral notes. This is one of the most understated, subtle and finessed Champagnes I have ever tasted from Henriot. Given the reserve perpetuelle, I am actually surprised by how reticent and fresh the Cuve 38 is. Tasted again two days after I first opened the magnum, the Cuve 38 remains bright, focused and wonderfully energetic. Dosage is under 5 grams/liter. Disgorged: September 2014. Drink: 2015-2030.

Suckling

Very complex and integrated fruits with savory elements and a super smooth textural delivery make for an attractive Champagne. Plenty of minerally notes. Poached apples and brioche build through the palate, while there's a central, chalky, mineral focus around which it all hinges. A blend of Chouilly, Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the base blending process began in 1990 and each year a little of the new vintage is added to the blend in stainless steel and 1,000 magnums are bottled off. Released every year. Drink now.