Henriot Champagne Chardonnay Grand Cru L'Inattendue 2016 750ml

size

750ml

country

France

region

Champagne

6 Ratings

See 6 Professional Reviews

Rated 96 by Decanter

This is a stunningly fragrant, exotic and silky blanc de blancs that has only grown in stature since release, now firmly making its case for being the finest wine Henriot has made recently. Few 2016s display this degree of delicacy and length. Bright clementine and tropical fruit are framed in smoky, peppery, reductive energy, with orange blossom and sweet, charry lemon and hazelnut. The chalky, fluid and delicate palate ripples with gently insistent chalk and bittersweet citrus oil. Long and detailed. ... More details

Henriot Champagne Chardonnay Grand Cru L'Inattendue 2016 750ml

Rated 96 by Decanter

Rated 96 by Wine Enthusiast

A Champagne that came from a selection of wine that was regarded as so exceptional, so unexpected (as the name suggests) that it was bottled separately. It is an impressive wine, rich, now mature with a strong touch of toast. It is ready to drink. (Cellar Selection)

Rated 94 by Wine Advocate

When Gilles de Larouzière took the reins chez Henriot and tasted the vins clairs of the 2016 vintage with his team, one cuvée from Avize stood out from the crowd enough that it seemed to merit a tirage of its own. The result is the 2016 Brut L'inattendue, disgorged after four years on the lees with four grams per liter dosage. It's a demonstrative, expressive Champagne, bursting with aromas of white peach, crisp orchard fruit and confit lemon mingled with subtle hints of buttery pastry, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and attractively vinous palate, its fleshy core of fruit complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Already drinking well, it's testimony to the exciting things happening at this historic house.

Rated 94 by Wine Spectator

Lightly toasty on the nose, with grilled brioche, smoke and spice accents, this is fresh and citrusy on the plushly creamy palate. Reveals Meyer lemon, poached apricot, grated ginger and fresh lemon thyme enriched by chopped almond and biscuit. Long, well-honed finish. Chardonnay. Drink now through 2031. 200 cases imported.

Rated 93 by Vinous Media

The 2016 L'Inattendue (Chardonnay) is loaded with apricot, lemon confit, baked apple tart, sweet spice and light tropical accents. The more exuberant side of Chardonnay comes through loud and clear in an effusive, inviting Champagne that will be ready to give pleasure upon release. A touch of toastiness lingers on the close. This is very nicely done.

Rated 92 by James Suckling

This first single-vineyard bottling for Henriot has aromas of dried lemons, pears, chalk, sourdough, brown rice and blanched almonds. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and fine with creamy bubbles and bright acidity. More delicate and somewhat restrained. 4g/l. Disgorged March 2021. Drink or hold.

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Henriot Champagne Chardonnay Grand Cru L'Inattendue 2016 750ml

SKU 919084

Case Only Purchase

Long-term Pre-Arrival

$773.58

/case

$128.93

/750ml bottle

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Professional Ratings

Rated 96 by Decanter

Rated 96 by Wine Enthusiast

Rated 94 by Wine Advocate

Rated 94 by Wine Spectator

Rated 93 by Vinous Media

Rated 92 by James Suckling

Product Details

size

750ml

country

France

region

Champagne

Overview

Varietal: Champagne Blend

There are few areas in the world with a reputation quite as famous and respected as that of Champagne in France, and almost every wine region on earth has imitated or has been influenced by the careful process mastered by the wineries of Champagne. However, it is in the grape varietals which thrive in this region where the secrets to the Champagne's success can be found â€“ the acidic, flavorful Chardonnay grapes meeting the characterful Pinot Noir varietal, and coming together to produce something wonderful in the bottle. There are actually seven varietals allowed by French wine law for the production of Champagne wines, all of which are used by wineries to accentuate each others finest points and maintain the reputation of this very special region, the home to some extremely high quality grapes.

Region: Champagne

The north-easterly region of Champagne in France is amongst the most famous and well respected wine regions in the world. It's principle produce, the elegant sparkling white wines made with a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Petit Meunier grape varietals, have consistently grown in popularity for hundreds of years, and are still the sparkling wines of choice for most people across the globe. The region is quite an unusual one, in many ways. The high altitude and cool climate make it difficult for the grapes to ripen, but it is helped enormously by the mineral-rich, chalky soils which typify the region, and the heavily forested areas which help maintain moisture in the soil and an even temperature. The wineries of the region have generations of expertise, and know exactly how to make the most of their grape varietals, resulting in the distinctive and famous wines of Champagne we know and love.

Country: France

It is widely understood and accepted that the finest wines in the world come out of France. Whether you are drinking a vintage bottle from one of the famed Grand Cru wineries of Bordeaux - such as Chateau Margaux or Chateau Lafite-Rothschild - or a more simple and affordable bottle from one of the lesser known appellations in Burgundy, the likelihood is that the wine is packed full of intense and interesting flavors, and has a fine, balanced structure typical of almost all French produce. This reputation for excellence is taken extremely serious by the French, with dozens of regularly updated laws and regulations ensuring the quality and accurate labeling of wines. Such dedication and passion for fine wine, representative of the region in which it is produced, means customers can be assured that when they buy a bottle from France, they are buying something almost certain to please and delight.

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