The Champagne Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Les Crayères Vieilles Vignes NV (Base 2018, Disgorged July 2025) is a monumental Pinot Noir Champagne from one of the region’s most revered grower estates. Produced entirely from old-vine Pinot Noir grown in the chalk-rich Les Crayères vineyard in Ambonnay, the wine reflects Francis Egly’s meticulous vineyard work, low yields and extended lees ageing philosophy. The nose reveals baked apple, blood orange and ripe red berry fruit layered alongside toasted brioche, roasted hazelnut and deep chalky minerality, giving the wine extraordinary concentration and complexity.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a powerful mineral core. Layers of orchard fruit, citrus peel and savoury lees complexity are balanced by saline tension and subtle smoky richness from long ageing on lees, finishing long, dry and intensely persistent with remarkable structure and ageing potential. The generous 2018 base vintage brings additional depth and texture while retaining the precision and tension that define Egly-Ouriet’s finest wines.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Champagne Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Les Crayères Vieilles Vignes NV is a world-class grower Champagne — powerful, chalky and incredibly detailed with exceptional depth and precision. Perfect with lobster, roast poultry, truffle dishes, aged Comté or richly flavoured seafood dishes. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2048+.
