2016 Chartogne-Taillet Heurtebise Blanc de Blancs
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Champagne Heurtebise is 100% Chardonnay, raised in barrels, and spent 48 months on the lees. It reveals a pleasant level of reduction that will appeal to white Burgundy lovers (such as myself). The nose is fragrant with flinty smoke, green apple, and lime leaf, and the palate is dry, with a fine mousse, and driven with fantastic refreshing energy. Drink over the next 15-20 years.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted from magnum, the 2016 Extra-Brut Heurtebise is terrific. Hugely aromatic and intense on the palate, the Heurtebise has so much to offer. Lemon confit, baked apple tart, spice, graphite and a kiss of French oak are all amplified. Chardonnay has so much potential here and Alexandre Chartogne certainly knows how to get the most out of it. There's a bit of reduction on the finish, but not enough to detract from the wine's pleasure. The creamy, mineral-drenched finish is a thing of beauty. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2021.
The 2016 Heurtebise, 100% Chardonnay, is stunning. Vinification in slightly larger 350-liter barrels suits this wine so well, as the wood adds texture but while allowing all of the translucency and energy of Chardonnay to come through. Lemon confit, crushed rocks, white flowers, white pepper and mint add a brilliant upper register. Over the last few years, Heurtebise has become one of the most coveted grower Champagnes, its small production disappearing quietly in the blink of an eye. The 2016 is a great example of why. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: November, 2019.