Egly-Ouriet Les Premices Extra Brut Champagne

This Grower Producer cuvee is a blend of a third each of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier that was fermented and rested in tank before being aged on its lees for 39 months. The nose shows an initial note of cream on toast with yellow fleshed stone fruits, lemon curd, shortbread, and a floral note. The palate is moderate in weight with red apple, tree fruits, some cream, and clay minerality. This is drinking well now, and will deliver joy over the next decade. D&M Tasting NotesAs Champagne writer Peter Liem has said: “If there are any Champagnes that fit the often-used description of ‘Burgundy with bubbles’, Egly-Ouriet would be the leading candidate.” Like Burgundy these wines have been known to fetch eye watering prices, though the proof is in the bottle. Today Francis has been joined by his two children Charles and Clémence in running the estate. This bottling  is a new cuvee from the Egly clan. Named Les Prémices (16), its name has a dual meaning. From the latin primitiae (the first fruits of the harvest offered to the gods) it also translates from the French to ‘a beginning.’ The vines for this cuvee are located in Tringy in the Massif of Saint Thierry, Northwest of Riems. These vines are owned by Annick: Francis’ wife and are planted atop mostly sandy soils. Michael Kennel, D&M