Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs 2013

Slightly floral on the nose, this firm Champagne boasts a lively mousse, carrying tightly coiled notes of yellow plum and apricot, toasted almond and lemon curd. Reveals minerally hints of saline and petrol on the finish. Disgorged September 2021. Drink now through 2028. 800 cases made, 80 cases imported.

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.

Pale golden yellow colour with silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Delicate notes of meadow herbs and cookie, white apples, a hint of peach, a touch of nougat and verbena, smoky minerality. Taut, yellow Chardonnay fruit of mango and apple, finesse-rich, lively acidity, juicy and complex thanks to subtle wood ageing, delicate ethereal verbena notes on the finish, salty and limey in the aftertaste, good length, very animating style with good ageing potential. (Deg. 5/2021, 10/22).

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.

Properly mature with a fine touch of toastiness, this Champagne is rich and full even though with an extra-dry character. It is beautifully textured and now ready to drink.