2013 Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

The 2013 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs, sourced from Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, is layered and expressive right out of the gate. The fruit intensity and flavor profile of the vintage are immediately apparent in a Champagne that blossoms beautifully on the mid-palate and into the finish. Here, too, the balance is impeccable. Dried pear, spice, menthol, dried flowers and a touch of oak linger on the soft-spoken finish. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: September, 2021.

From Oger and Mesnil sur Oger, disgorged in December 2021, and released two years after disgorgement with 4.5 grams per liter of dosage, the 2013 Champagne Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut is pretty and focused on opening and needs a bit of time in the glass before revealing refined aromas of lime blossom, fresh pear, fennel, and crushed seashell. Medium-bodied, it’s focused and long, with a bright spine of acidity, a chalky texture, and a saline and spicy finish. It has a lot of energy to it.

From the Grands Crus Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Seven years on lees, disgorged May 2021 with dosage 4.5 g/l. 15,173 bottles produced. Tight, smoky nose. Salted lemon palate. Very tense and energetic. Tightly furled. Very good but ideally worth waiting for. (JR)