Pierre Paillard "Les Parcelles XXI" Grand Cru Extra Brut Bouzy Champagne

Notes

I am incredibly excited about the extraordinary quality of this top grower's Champagne. The name might sound familiar, as they are cousins with the négociant Bruno Paillard. But their production is completely separate, and unlike Bruno, all estate-grown. And what an estate they have - 28 acres exclusively in the Montagne de Reims Grand Cru top village of Bouzy. There they exclusively cultivate their own selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - they do not have a single clone on the estate. Although labeled as extra-brut, this is still a rich wine from ripe, south-facing parcels in the Grand Cru of Bouzy. This wine is composed of about 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay with about 1/3 reserve wines. This wine has such power and presence it deserves a great pairing like lobster, but also has the elegance to enjoy as an aperitif. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)