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

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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

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The NV Première Cru Extra Brut is rounded and layered with almond croissant, floral perfume, and orange oil. It has a fine, pillowy mousse and is ripe and inviting, while remaining buoyant and refreshing. Its silky texture and long finish make for a luxurious style. It is drinking well now and will drink well over the next ten years. Disgorged October 2021." (11/7/2022)

92+ Points - Robert Parker's 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 - James Suckling:
"A fine mineral layer on top of the subtle sourdough yeastiness, lemon zest and green apples. Fruity and delineated on the palate with generous, creamy beads and a flavorful finish. Quite approachable, but it ends dry. Disgorged in February 2022. Drink now." (Apr 2023)

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A whiff of flint precedes fresh lemon notes that pervade the entire wine with vivid freshness. The palate is taut and bright, with a rather salty, iodine savouriness. Lovely depth comes from the great proportion of reserve wines. The finish is brisk, with citrus and umami." -Anne Krebiehl MW (8/2020)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The NV Extra Brut Premiere Cuvée is bright, focused and impeccable from start to finish. Yellow flowers, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks lend energy and tension. There's lovely inner perfume and sweetness to the lemon confit fruit. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Disgorged: June, 2020." - Antonio Galloni (Nov 2021)

90 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Chiseled acidity provides racy drive to this linear version, which has a fine, lively bead and flavors of yellow apple and pear, dried thyme, biscotti and minerally smoke and oyster shell accents. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged October 2021. Drink now. 15,000 cases made, 600 cases imported." - AN (Nov 2022)

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This is the producer's nonvintage cuvée, dry in the house style and with good balance between freshness and fruitiness. Lightly textured and with taut acidity and crispness at the end, the Champagne is ready to drink." - Roger Voss (10/1/2021)