Henriot : Blanc Souverain

Suave but full-bodied, showing its Chardonnay character in the green-gold color, lush texture and ripe, integrated fruit flavors. Drink now. 7,000 cases made.

Delicate and racy, with sweet lime, white pear and green almond aromas up front, while a lemon madeleine richness is tucked into the fluffy, gentle mousse. Narrow, pure yet not austere in style, it’s a zesty and ultimately refreshing, reductively styled blanc de blancs. From 12 crus of Chardonnay, with 30% reserve wine added.

Pale, green-tinged color. Citrus peel, nuts and chalk on the nose. Rich, tactile and dry, with good ripeness and breadth. This started out citric and minerally but, like the Souverain Brut, showed some intrusive older notes of earth, nuts and toffee with time in the glass. The acids still need a bit of time to harmonize.

From 12 crus within Champagne, the NV Champagne Blanc De Blancs Brut is based on the 2017 vintage and includes 30–50% reserve wines in the blend. It shows a bright yellow/golden hue and offers ripe aromas of pineapple, preserved citrus, yellow flowers, and fresh bread. Inviting on the palate, with a pillowing mousse, it stays focused, with a broad-shouldered feel and a clean, silky-textured finish. It’s ready to enjoy now and should hold up well over the next 5–6 years.

A lovely effervescence, with a palate that feels a bit tight and not very complex. The Chardonnay is dull. On the palate, the mousse is intrusive and lacks finesse. The breadth is moderate and the overall impression falls short of the hoped-for finesse.

The Champagne has a fine maturity, the bright citrus fruit softened into a touch of toast. This is the perfect moment to drink this wine.