Champagne Bruno Paillard Premiere Cuvee Extra Brut NV
(Champagne, France) 750mL - [JS 94] [JD 93] [WA 92+] [VM 91] [WS 92] [WE 90]

About the Winery:
This small, family-owned Champagne house was only founded in 1981. Despite its youth, it has gained an excellent reputation, a testament to the passion, knowledge, skill and drive of Bruno Paillard. Paillard's vineyards cover 32 hectares (79.5 acres) of land over the best Crus of Champagne: Le Mesnil sur Oger, Oger, Cumières and Verzenay, for example. Altogether it represents over 100 plots, each with a different terroir. From these few acres of land, 12 hectares of Paillard's vineyards are classified as "Grand Cru" which is remarkable knowing that grands crus represent only 17 of the 320 villages of Champagne. Using sustainable viticulture, he also grows 50-60% of the grapes used in his wines himself.

About this Wine:
Première Cuvée Extra-Brut, signature of the Bruno Paillard House, is a very personal interpretation of the whole region. It is the fruit of more than 30 crus from the noblest terroirs of the Champagne region, whose composition is kept secret.

Selection of the first press of Pinot Meunier (22%), Chardonnay (33%) and Pinot Noir (45%), of which a part (20%) makes its first fermentation in barrel. In addition, there are the reserve wines, 25 vintages blended since 1985 in a proportion that can go up to 50%. A long aging in the cellar takes place, 3 years on lees followed by 5 months minimum after disgorgement. The dosage, Extra-Brut (less than 6g/L), makes this wine an authentic and pure champagne.

Tasting Notes

APPEARANCE
The golden straw colour reveals a high presence of chardonnay and the exclusive use of the first pressings. The fine bubbles are due to a strict selection of the best grapes, perfectly controlled temperature in the cellar and very long ageing.

NOSE
The primary aromas reveal the citrus fruits of chardonnay: lime and grapefruit. Then the red fruits aromas of pinot noir appear: redcurrant, raspberry, morello cherries. When left to open up in the glass, the wine shows hints of dried fruits, sometimes exotic, from pinot meunier.

PALATE
The attack is lively thanks to the low dosage which respects the authenticity of the wine. The nose is confirmed with the first flavors of citrus fruits, almonds, toast … but also redcurrant jelly and black fruits like cherry, fig or blackberry.

In its evolution, its aeration, its warming up, it reveals slightly plum and pear flavors. The mouth is ample without being heavy, quite long, leaving a very clear finish.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Lemon bush and lemon zest with pure strawberries, mirabelles, white pepper and a hint of shortbread. Fine mousse with good concentration and full body and zesty, lemony acidity. Tight-knit structure with a super-polished finish. 45% pinot noir, 33% chardonnay and 22% pinot meunier. Disgorged in 2023. Dosage 5.5g/L. Drinkable now, but it will achieve more complexity with aging." (Jul 2024)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A bright yellow/straw color, the NV Champagne Premiere Cuvée Extra Brut is made from a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and the remainder Meunier, with 20% aged in barrels and roughly a third of the blend coming from their perpetual reserve going back to 1985. Classic and rounded on the nose, with aromas of brioche, peach, hazelnut, and fresh flowers, the palate is supple and balanced, with full-bodied richness, a weightless feel, a refined and elegant mousse, and lasting notes of citrus oils through the finish. One of my favorite entry level wines, this consistently over-delivers and is going to drink well over the coming 8-10 years. Disgorged in September 2022." (Dec 2024)

92+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"A blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 22% Pinot Meunier, Paillard’s NV Extra-Brut Première Cuvée (disgorged in June 2022 with 5.5 grams per liter) expresses an elegant and fresh bouquet with aromas of citrus oil, lemon, spring flowers, pomelo and pastry touches. Medium to full-bodied, crystalline and vibrant, it’s complemented by a delicate mousse and chalky finish. Enjoy it over the next three years." - Yohan Castaing (Apr 2023)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The NV Extra Brut Première Cuvée is bright, aromatic and nicely lifted. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper, slate and citrus fruit are all beautifully delineated. Brisk acids pull it all together on the close. This airy, nuanced Champagne from Bruno Paillard is a delight. The blend is 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 22% Meunier, with 32% reserve wines that date back to 1985. Disgorged: September 2022." - Antonio Galloni (Mar 2024)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A well-balanced Champagne in an aperitif style, with subtle plushness to the mousse, offering lively lemony acidity and a pretty mix of white cherry, poached pear, smoke and ground anise notes, while a touch of almond lingers on the finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged July 2022. Drink now. 15,000 cases made, 950 cases imported." - AN (Dec 2023)

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nonvintage Champagne from this producer shows its penchant for dry wines. This wine, a blend of the three Champagne grapes, is dry but it makes up for that with the ripe white and citrus fruits. It is ready to drink." - Roger Voss (Sep 2023)