Henriot Millesime Brut 2012

 Two of the great grand cru villages of the Montagne de Reims (Mailly and Verzenay) contribute the majority of the powerful Pinot Noir, which at 56% of the blend, pips Chardonnay to the post, in terms of volume at least. The Chardonnay has equally impressive grand cru provenance, the villages of Avize and Chouilly lending notes of honeysuckle, lemon posset and orchard fruit. The ensemble has been dosed at just under 6g/L and is therefore labelled as Extra Brut. The texture is accordingly generous but does not lack for the rigour of a long mineral finish. Very composed. From the gold colour, the gentle honeyed seduction on the nose and all the way through to the almond and brioche finish, this is a terrific Henriot, very Henriot in style, by which one means generous, alluring and incredibly elegant, all three epithets equally relevant in the description of this terrific vintage. (SF)  (11/2021)

 With the 2012 Brut Millésimé, Henriot's positive evolution begins to become apparent. A blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, disgorged with less than six grams per liter dosage, it offers up aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, freshly baked bread and green apple, followed by a medium-bodied, brisk and precise palate. Built around a bright spine of acidity and enlivened by a pillowy mousse, it will take on additional depth and dimension with a few years on cork. (WK)  (1/2022)