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Argonne 2008

Henri Giraud

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Tasting Notes

The 2008 Argonne is a rich, dense wine. A rush of crème brûlée, apricot jam, new French oak, almonds, candied orange peel, and hazelnut announce this dense, powerful Champagne. Tropical overtones add to the wine’s an exotic feel. Although there is not much subtlety, the 2008 will appeal to readers who appreciate flamboyant Champagnes. I am very interested to see how the 2008 ages.

Score: 94

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2018-2028 01 July 2018

The bright golden colored 2008 Aÿ Grand Cru Argonne Brut is what Henri Giraud calls "the diamond of our range, the best of the best of what we do". Based on 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay fermented and aged on the full lees for 12 months in Argonne oak barrels (of which 95% were new), the HG flagship cuvée opens with a clear, fresh, very fine, elegant and complex bouquet with matured fruit and brioche flavors. Highly elegant, round and fruity on the palate, this is a fine yet intense, matured, well-structured, complex and persistently salty 2008 that was disgorged in July 2017, after eight years on the second lees. 4.000 bottles made.

Score: 94

Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 20189-2028 29 June 2018

The Argonne (named for the forest where the house sources the oak for its bespoke barrels) is the flagship wine of Champagne Henri Giraud. Robert Parker has said that it "resembles the top cuvées from Krug [with] more freshness" - indeed the rich, ripe quality of this champagne is married with stunning clarity and finesse. 2008 is an extremely fine wine, being made in this vintage of 90% Pinot Noir with 10% of Chardonnay from a superb plot of 50 year old vines on Aÿ Grand Cru chalk soils situated in glorious elevation above the winery. Harvesting of these vines is done entirely by hand, before fermentation and ageing in 228 litre barrels of Argonne oak specially selected for its terroir. The toasting of the barrels is personally overseen by the Henri Giraud chef de cave, Sebastien Le Golvet, at the dedicated Henri Giraud cooperage. 30% of the barrels are new, lending a balancing depth and density to the gorgeous richness of the Pinot Noir fruit. Argonne rests in bottle for 9 years before its release with 7.5g of dosage, creating a sumptuous yet very elegant, precisely defined champagne of stunning mineral purity and great ageing potential.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 28 September 2017