Agrapart Venus Blanc de Blancs 2014

Champagne Agrapart is a critically well-regarded and sought-after Champagne producer based in Avizé, in Champagne's Côte des Blancs subregion, just south of Épernay.  This is one of the finest grower champagnes available and their wines are some of the greatest cuvées of the Côte des Blancs, with the power and lineage of a good white Burgundy. 

Review

"Venus is the emblematic plot of the Agrapart estate from a small plot of barely 60 ares: the Fosse aux pourceaux in Avize. The old Chardonnay vines, planted in 1959, are fully plowed by a faithful mare named ... Venus.  This rare pearl is vinified only in demi-muids without new oak and only about ten per year. This non-dosed Grand Cru has spent, after its bottling in May 2015, nearly 5 years to age in the cellars of the House.

On the nose, the floral notes are explosive, accompanied by powdered almonds and ultra-delicious fresh hazelnuts. The bubble is of a beautiful finesse, to lead to a mouth with a mineral and energetic structure, slightly spicy. The finish is lively, fresh and complex in a decidedly saline register.  Here is a great champagne of crazy elegance, with aging potential of at least 10 or 15 years. Pair this great “Venus” with grilled fish, scallops, lobster ravioli with morels, caramelised sweetbreads, the combinations will be wonderful."