Henriot Brut Millesime Champagne 2012
(Champagne, France) - [JS 94] [WE 94] [DM 93] [WS 93] [WA 92+]

About the Winery:
Founded in Reims in 1808, Champagne Henriot celebrated its 200th birthday in 2008; joining the very exclusive circle of independent 200-year old family owned and managed champagne houses. Over the years Champagne Henriot has cultivated a unique style of its own, guided only by the pursuit of the rich, pure expression of Chardonnay. Strict grape requirements enable Henriot to highlight the minerality and precision of their vineyards, while the use of malolactic fermentation, a high percentage of reserve wines in their cuvées and extended lees aging result in wines of great expression, elegance and depth. "Time is our ally and patience our secret" says Joseph Henriot. "They are the fundamental elements to our success." Today, the Henriot family's expertise is backed not only by their storied history in Champagne but also in their celebrated triumphs in both Burgundy and Chablis with Bouchard Père n Fils, William Fèvre and Villa Ponciago.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Clear, gold and sparkling in appearance. Tiny, delicate bubbles. Citrus fruit and yellow fruit aromas dominate on the palate, together with vine peach and nectarine, and a discrete floral, blossom dimension. Subtle notes of honey and candied lemon bring a full-flavored edge, together with silky character. Freshness and airy lightness command on the palate. Grapefruit, apricot, citron, and fresh citrus fruit come to life, followed by lingering notes of pate de fruit, yet constantly underscored by great minerality. Very long, refined, silky, and refreshing on the finish. Low dosage brings with it exquisitely harmonious balance.

Ratings & Reviews:

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A fragrant nose with aromas of apples, pears, brioche and candied citrus. Round, silky and balanced with fine bubbles and a flavorful, minerally finish. Full-bodied with a creamy texture and wonderfully soft fruit. Highlights the balance of the 2012 vintage. A blend of 54% chardonnay and 46% pinot noir" (Nov 2021).

94  Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Now well mature, this Champagne has a slight dominance of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. It balances citrus and green-apple flavors against its toast and spice. Drink now." - Roger Voss (Sep 2023)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"This elegant Champagne is still very youthful, with notes of ripe apple and acacia flowers. There is a discreet, well-integrated toasty character, but the autolysis is not overdone. The texture is creamy and dense, yet the wine is not lacking acidity, and the balance carries it to a lovely finish. The vintage 2012 is made from Chardonnay grown mainly in Trépail with a bit from Chouilly and Avize, and Pinot Noir from Mailly, Verzenay, and Avenay-Val-d'Or. Dosage: 5g/L, disgorged autumn of 2022." - Charles Curtis MW (Mar 2023)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A firm and focused Champagne, with a subtle overtone of minerally smoke and brine. Lacy in texture and finely knit, this offers layers of yellow apple and pear fruit, marzipan, lemon preserves and aromatic accents of toast and white flowers. Creamy and mouthwatering on the lingering finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2032. 450 cases imported." - AN (Jun 2022)

92+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"With the 2012 Brut Millésimé, Henriot's positive evolution begins to become apparent. A blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, disgorged with less than six grams per liter dosage, it offers up aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, freshly baked bread and green apple, followed by a medium-bodied, brisk and precise palate. Built around a bright spine of acidity and enlivened by a pillowy mousse, it will take on additional depth and dimension with a few years on cork." - William Kelley (Jan 2022)