Wine Advisor
Henri Giraud, Argonne Brut Ay Grand Cru 2012
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Description
Many critics score this Champagne Brut wine highly: The Wine Advocate gave the 2016 vintage a score of 96. Critic tasting note: (2017 vintage) "Aromas of dried roses, gunmetal and candle wax with cedar undertones. Full-bodied with layered, silky bubbles that are totally integrated but give direction to the wine. Hints of caramel and buttered hazelnuts to the dried oranges. Long and flavorful. Wild and rich yet fresh. Fermented 1.5 years in 100% new Argonne oak barrels. Disgorged February 2025. Drink or hold." - James Suckling
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2012 Argonne is superb. It is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay vinified in 100% new oak, which is barely perceptible. Silky, nuanced and incredibly refined, the 2012 opens to reveal layers of Mirabelle, dried flowers, orange zest and apricot. The interplay of Aÿ richness and more mineral inflections makes for an absolutely compelling Champagne. Unlike most releases of Argonne, the 2012 needs a few years in bottle to be at its best. Today, it is decidedly taut, but impressive just the same.
About the Producer
In 1625, François Hémart settled in the village of Aÿ and began to produce champagne. Today Claude Giraud, son of Henri Giraud and the 12th generation of the family, presides over the estate’s destiny and produces the Giraud champagnes in Aÿ. The estate is located at the Aÿ Grand Cru comprised with 33,500 hectares of land, only less than 9% in that area can be classified as 100% Grand Cru and Henri Giraud Champagne is one of the few. Over 1000 years, there are only 323 vineyards in the area and Aÿ Grand Cru is the exemplar of all Grand Cru, at the same time here grows the best Pinot Noir. Claude Giraud, 12th generation of the Giraud-Hémart family, today presides over the destiny of this Champagne House.
