2005 Agrapart Blanc de Blancs Mineral Extra Brut
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Tasting notes
Well, perhaps making an exception for Agrapart's 2005 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral. The trademark Agrapart tension and energy is alive in the glass. Pure crystalline and nuanced, the 2005 once again proved why it is one of the wines of the year. More than a wine of the year, though, the Mineral really reflects the extraordinary diligence and passion of Pascal Agrapart. What a great showing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep gold. Lots of development on the nose with an alluring note of putty. Assertive but it also has great finesse. Not enormous persistence though. (JR)
The 2005 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral is breathtaking. The wine emerges from parcels in Avize (Les Champboutons) and Cramant (Les Bionnes) and is fermented in 600-liter barrels. The 2005 Minéral bursts from the glass with racy Chardonnay fruit that covers every inch of the palate. The aromas and flavors remain clean, crisp and beautifully articulated from start to finish. This is a broad-shouldered wine that nevertheless keeps its focus. The balance of ripeness from the year and the inherent minerality of these limestone-rich, old-vine parcels is terrific. This is a stunning wine in every way. Dosage was 4 grams per liter. Disgorged July 2011.
The 2005 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Mineral is breathtaking. The wine emerges from parcels in Avize (Les Champboutons) and Cramant (Les Bionnes) and is fermented in 600-liter barrels. The 2005 Mineral bursts from the glass with racy Chardonnay fruit that covers every inch of the palate. The aromas and flavors remain clean, crisp and beautifully articulated from start to finish. This is a broad-shouldered wine that nevertheless keeps its focus. The balance of ripeness from the year and the inherent minerality of these limestone-rich, old-vine parcels is terrific. This is a stunning wine in every way. Dosage was 4 grams per liter. Disgorged July 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. I realize I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but these are once again the finest wines I have tasted from Agrapart. From top to bottom, these Champagnes are simply stunning. All of the wines are 100% Chardonnay and see full malolactic fermentation. Importers: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; Beaune Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 559-1040
About the producer
Undoubtedly one of the top growers in the Côte des Blancs, Agrapart has a unique traditional approach to producing Champagne, with the result being a loyal and fanatical following who adore this lean and precise style of wine.