2018 Frederic Savart Expression Brut Nature
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From magnum and disgorged in September 2024 without dosage, Savart's 2018 Brut Nature Expression Blanc is derived from old massal selection Pinot Noir planted in the sandy soils of Écueil between 1959 and 1964. Vinified in entirely new 600-liter barrels, it jumps from the glass with an expressive bouquet of pear, sweet caramel, orange zest and vanilla pod, framed by delicately toasty new wood. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and concentrated, displaying a more demonstrative and charming character than is typical for this cuvée, which can appear more austere in cooler vintages. With a ripe yet racy spine of acidity, it concludes with a chalky finish and will drink well on release.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2018 Brut Nature Expression, done only in magnum, is elegant, gracious and silky on the palate. Gentle hints of red plum, almond, ginger, white flowers and spice all grace this finessed, delicate Champagne. With its understated depth and exceptional balance, the Expression is another selection in this range that straddles the line between still wine and Champagne. The magnum format works so well here. This was bottled with no dosage, but Fred Savart notes there are 3-4 grams of residual sugar left from the initial fermentation. Disgorged: February 2024.
The 2018 Brut Nature Expression is a blend of five old-vine Pinot Noir parcels in Ecueil, all bottled in magnum. Tightly wound and quite reticent, the 2018 is rather different from the other wines in this range, the warm vintage notwithstanding. I imagine the magnum format also helps. More importantly, readers will have to be patient with the 2018, as it is nowhere near ready to drink. Bright acids run through a core of intense Pinot fruit on this beautifully sculpted, nuanced Champagne from Savart.