2008 Agrapart Blanc de Blancs Mineral Extra Brut
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Tasting notes
From 40+ year old Chardonnay vines grown in nearby terroirs of Cramant and Avize on very chalky soils, fermented 50% in oak barrels (the Avize part) and bottled unfiltered in May 2009, the 2008 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral was disgorged manually after five years. This is pure, dry and very elegant Champagne expressing the chalky terroir of its origin in a very straightforward and mineral way. Ripe and cooked apples, along with raisin and flavors on the chalky-fruity nose, lead to a firmly structured Champagne with a great purity of fruit and a persistent minerality in the complex finish. However, the finish is also somewhat drying and rough from this bottle, but it gets better with aeration and should be served in glasses that are not too small.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Dosage 4 g/l. All Chardonnay from parcels in Avize and Cramant. Very well integrated, dense and savoury. Well done! Neat and satisfying. Still with a bit of structure. Smoky and bone dry on the end but not austere. (JR)
The 2008 Blanc de Blancs is a perfect example of how open and expressive Pascal Agrapart's 2008s are today. Creamy, ample and highly expressive, the 2008 is all about texture. Lightly honeyed notes, white flowers, almonds, and lemon peel are given an extra kick of energy on the finish, where the wine's underlying minerality and salinity add considerable raciness. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged March 2013.
From 40+ year old Chardonnay vines grown in nearby terroirs of Cramant and Avize on very chalky soils, fermented 50% in oak barrels (the Avize part) and bottled unfiltered in May 2009, the 2008 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Mineral was disgorged manually after five years. This is pure, dry and very elegant Champagne expressing the chalky terroir of its origin in a very straightforward and mineral way. Ripe and cooked apples, along with raisin and flavors on the chalky-fruity nose, lead to a firmly structured Champagne with a great purity of fruit and a persistent minerality in the complex finish. However, the finish is also somewhat drying and rough from this bottle, but it gets better with aeration and should be served in glasses that are not too small. Oct 2015, www.robertparker.com
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.