Bonnaire Extra Brut Champagne Love Story Grand Crus 2012

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2024 in Australia; 50% Cramant chardonnay, 50% Bouzy pinot noir; vinified and aged on fine lees in oak barrels; full malolactic fermentation; aged at least 10 years on lees in bottle; disgorged December 2022; 1.5g/L dosage - all on back label; cork). Uniting benchmark estates in two of Champagne's strongest grand crus, the structural power of Cramant and the reverberating depth of Bouzy marry to considerable effect here, framed confidently in the structure of oak barrel maturation. I love the way these two powerful crus are united here to each uphold their idiosyncratic confidence, yet with a compelling harmony thanks to Bonnaire's skill. Cramant's spectrum of ripe peach, grapefruit and lemon meets Bouzy's tangy red cherry and red apple profile, united by the creamy effect of barrels and long lees age. Brioche, honey and almond nougat join the party, energised by lemony acidity and the fine chalk mineral structure of these lauded crus, perfectly offsetting the supple generosity of 2012. (2024)"

93 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2024).
br> The 2012 Love Story cuvée is made from a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from the oldest vines of Domaine on the terroirs of Cramant and Bouzy in Grand Cru. Vinification in wood - 6/7-year-old 228L Burgundy oak barrels - allows for the perfect balance between very fine amplitude and mineral character. This is followed by aging on the lees in bottle for at least 10 years. After disgorgement the dosage is minimal, 1.5 g/L (extra brut). The wine is expressive, the nose is intense and dominated by red fruits. The palate is rich, white peach, mirabelle plum, pear in syrup, and lifted by a few notes of roasted almonds and sweet spices. The beautiful ripeness, is expressed right through to the finish, while preserving plenty of mineral freshness. A gourmet wine, ideal for foie gras and onion confit, but which can also coat roast pigeon.