97 points/'Platinum Award,' Decanter: "100% Chardonnay. Quite toasty nose showing aromas of bruised apple, figs, toast and subtle hints of smoke. Seductive and refined on the palate, showing tension and finesse. Very harmonious, with a vibrant acidity and persistent finish. Alcohol 12.2%. (DWWA 2023)"
95 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "(The in-house label of the Union Champagne co-op in Avize). Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. Orpale should certainly belong in the same conversation as other better-known prestige Blanc de Blancs. The 2008 is now a decadent treat, with piles of toasted brazil nut and super ripe lemon confit, as well as plushness from cocoa and nougat, tropical headiness from jackfruit and grilled pineapple and a proper Côte des Blancs sense of daring intensity. It's not austere for 2008, but rather succulent and built to last. (2022)"
95 points James Suckling: "Aromas of cooked apples, apple pie and salted butter. Flinty and smoky. It all follows through to a full body with layers of fruit, fine bubbles and a juicy, fruity finish. Lots of fruit, yet framed. Drink or hold. (6/29/22)"
93-95 points Essi Avellan, MW: "100% Chardonnay. Intense yet reserved, chalky-mineral nose with delicious lemon meringue pie, green apple and toasty fruit. Linear and focused palate with great underlying intensity. Really saline and driven, with chalky notions present throughout the palate. The essence of Grand Cru blanc de blancs, power meeting finesse. (Mar 2021)"
94 points/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "The flagship cuvée Orpale is a pure Chardonnay from four Côte des Blancs grands crus: Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize and Oger. Malolactic fermentation is partial, and disgorgement takes place after more than ten years. The 2008 was disgorged in 2020... Orpale continues its quiet evolution, still extended by its toasted reduction; a long, drawn-out 2008 that will evolve slowly. (2023)"
93 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This is a beautifully mature Champagne, with ripe Chardonnay from the Côtes de Blancs now just hinting at toastiness. The wine's freshness is still apparent so that the balance with maturity is just right. Drink this fine wine now, but also age. Alcohol 12.5%. (Sep 2022)"
93 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: "The brand is based on the many excellent supplies available on the Côte des Blancs. The wines have finesse and balance. Today, it's a great place to find fine champagnes from the Côte des Blancs at reasonable prices. We recommend it without hesitation. (2023)"
95 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "(The in-house label of the Union Champagne co-op in Avize). Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. Orpale should certainly belong in the same conversation as other better-known prestige Blanc de Blancs. The 2008 is now a decadent treat, with piles of toasted brazil nut and super ripe lemon confit, as well as plushness from cocoa and nougat, tropical headiness from jackfruit and grilled pineapple and a proper Côte des Blancs sense of daring intensity. It's not austere for 2008, but rather succulent and built to last. (2022)"
95 points James Suckling: "Aromas of cooked apples, apple pie and salted butter. Flinty and smoky. It all follows through to a full body with layers of fruit, fine bubbles and a juicy, fruity finish. Lots of fruit, yet framed. Drink or hold. (6/29/22)"
93-95 points Essi Avellan, MW: "100% Chardonnay. Intense yet reserved, chalky-mineral nose with delicious lemon meringue pie, green apple and toasty fruit. Linear and focused palate with great underlying intensity. Really saline and driven, with chalky notions present throughout the palate. The essence of Grand Cru blanc de blancs, power meeting finesse. (Mar 2021)"
94 points/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "The flagship cuvée Orpale is a pure Chardonnay from four Côte des Blancs grands crus: Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize and Oger. Malolactic fermentation is partial, and disgorgement takes place after more than ten years. The 2008 was disgorged in 2020... Orpale continues its quiet evolution, still extended by its toasted reduction; a long, drawn-out 2008 that will evolve slowly. (2023)"
93 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This is a beautifully mature Champagne, with ripe Chardonnay from the Côtes de Blancs now just hinting at toastiness. The wine's freshness is still apparent so that the balance with maturity is just right. Drink this fine wine now, but also age. Alcohol 12.5%. (Sep 2022)"
93 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: "The brand is based on the many excellent supplies available on the Côte des Blancs. The wines have finesse and balance. Today, it's a great place to find fine champagnes from the Côte des Blancs at reasonable prices. We recommend it without hesitation. (2023)"
| Product SKU | 347034 |
| Producer | de saint-gall |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Varietal | Champagne / Sparkling Blend |
| Designation | Brut|Blanc de Blancs|Grand Cru |
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Blend | 100% Chardonnay |
| ABV | 12.5% |
| Ships To |
