BRUNO PAILLARD ‘ASSEMBLAGE’ EXTRA BRUT 2012

Pinot Noir 60% and Chardonnay 40%

he house was founded in 1981, at the age of 27, by Bruno Paillard, a Reims native from a lineage of Champagne brokers and growers dating back to 1704. This was the first Champagne marque to display the disgorgement date on every bottle of Champagne. The estate now owns 79 acres of vineyard, 30 acres of which are grand crus. This holding is split among 100 different parcels, and provides 50 to 60 percent of all the fruit required for production. The remainder of fruit is sourced from independent growers from more than 30 villages.

A creamy Champagne, marrying sleek acidity and a subtle streak of chalky mineral with a detailed range of white cherry, toasted almond, candied lemon peel and spun honey notes.

JAMES SUCKLING – 94POINTS