The Champagne Suenen Oiry Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru La Cocluette 2016 (Disgorged July 2022) is a beautifully intense and chalk-driven grower Champagne from one of the Côte des Blancs’ most compelling young producers. Produced entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay grown in the La Cocluette parcel in Oiry, the wine reflects Aurélien Suenen’s minimalist and terroir-focused philosophy, combining low dosage and restrained élevage to emphasise mineral precision and vineyard character. The nose reveals preserved lemon, green apple and ripe pear layered alongside white flowers, brioche and deep crushed chalk minerality, giving the wine remarkable complexity and focus.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Layers of citrus oil, orchard fruit and savoury lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and profound chalky tension, finishing long, dry and beautifully persistent with outstanding precision and ageing potential. The balanced 2016 vintage brings both concentration and freshness, allowing the wine’s layered mineral structure to unfold with exceptional detail and finesse.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Champagne Suenen Oiry Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru La Cocluette 2016 is a superb grower Champagne — mineral, saline and beautifully refined with exceptional chalky precision and depth. Perfect with oysters, scallops, sashimi, lobster or refined seafood dishes. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2045+.
