95pts Decanter

Although this appears as the 'house' non-vintage, in character it is more akin to a vintage wine that needs some time on cork. Tasted young, the saturated fruit – apricot, spiced apples, grilled lemons – is already expressive, yet not fully unsprung. Based on 2018 with 40% reserves back to 2016, the heat of 2018 is in the fruit profile rather than weight or grip, and is more about persistence than pure power, underlined by the oak élevage yet not coloured by it. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. 100% barrel fermentation.

94pts Jeb Dunnuck

Based on 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the NV Champagne Grand Cru Brut has a killer nose of baked apple, crushed citrus, toasted spice, and brioche. This carries to a richer, layered, powerful Champagne with depth, density, and length. I’d be happy to drink bottles any time over the coming decade.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Based on the 2018 vintage, Egly's newly released NV Brut Grand Cru offers up inviting aromas of honeyed pear and white flowers mingled with hints of mint and praline. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and chiseled, it's an especially fine-boned, precise rendition of this immensely dependable cuvée, formerly known as the domaine's "Tradition" bottling.

About the Winery

Francis Egly is the fourth generation of the Egly family to make wines from their exceptionally located, old vine vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay (home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir that can be found in all of Champagne), where he is considered the finest grower. Francis took over from his father Michel in 1980, with the intent and commitment to take these already revered Pinot Noir dominant Champagnes to the absolute apex of quality. He began using organic methods in the vineyards, with regular ploughing, and reduced yields. Once the grapes enter his cellar, Francis makes sure to only allow for the gentlest possible extraction, of which he only keeps the purest first pressing (known as the cuvée). Francis believes deeply that complexity and structure comes not only from perfect fruit, but also from extended lees aging. This belief is felt throughout his lineup, with most of his wines undergoing a minimum of 48 months on the lees with some cuvees being aged for 100+ months! All of this meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar has led to his standing by both his peers, critics and Champagne lovers across the world as one of the greatest growers in all of France.

Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay