2012 Agrapart Blanc de Blancs Venus
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Tasting notes
From a parcel planted in 1959 in lieu-dit La Fosse—and uniting more clay-rich soils from the bottom of the slope with stonier, limestone-dominated soils at the top—this bottle of Agrapart's 2012 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus was disgorged in May 2019 without dosage. Unwinding in the glass with notes of crisp white peach, Anjou pear, warm bread and spices, it's full-bodied, tensile and muscular, with chalky dry extract, racy acids and an ineffable sense of completeness, concluding with a long and saline finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus is ethereal, elusive and eccentric. It is also mesmerizingly beautiful. The expression of fruit is a bit richer and riper than in the other 2012s, with orchard fruit and tropical overtones that give the wine a sense of inner perfume and raciness. Soft curves and striking aromatics make for a stunning Champagne, an impression that is reinforced by the super-refined mousse. Persistent, racy and over, the Vénus is simply fabulous in 2012. Old vines planted in 1959 in the La Fosse lieu-dit inform the Vénus. Non-dosé. Disgorged: July 2018.
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.