de Sousa Blanc de Blancs Champagne Caudalies Grand Cru 2013

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in France; old vine chardonnay; Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger, 100% barrel fermented; bottled 10 July 2014; disgorged 28 March 2022; 3g/L dosage.) There is exuberant of powerful exoticism here unusual in this cool season that speaks to the ripe De Sousa style, exploding from the glass in fresh mandarin, blood orange, yellow peach and ginger. The palate is rich and powerful, uniting ripe season succulence with grand cru drive and confidence. For all of its flamboyance, the palate rides a fantastic line of vibrant, cool 2013 acidity and the surging, churning, frothing minerality that sets apart these three fabled crus. Its energy, endurance and integrity was confirmed in a comparison between a freshly opened bottle and a bottle opened six days prior, still showing stamina and focus. (Edition VII; 2024)"

95 points CellarTracker.com community score.

94 points Tom Hewson (Decanter): "In the hands of biodynamic pioneer De Sousa in Avize, the old-vine Chardonnay of the village (together with Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Cramant), all vinified in old oak, yields an intense, saturated and mature blanc de blancs, the dried citrus and baked apple warmed with nutmeg spice and brown butter, yet buzzing with bright 2013 acidity. Dramatic, striking Chardonnay. Drinking Window: 2024-2030. (May 2024)"

93 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Taking on the most classic rounded and toasty aromas, the golden straw-colored 2013 Champagne Cuvee De Caudalies Extra Brut is entirely Chardonnay coming from Grand Cru villages in the Côte de Blanc and raised in barrels for one year. It delivers classic and expressive aromas in its rounded notes of pastry with almond, apple tart, key lime, and graham. Medium to full-bodied, it’s round and generous upfront, with a supple and inviting mousse, before revealing a snap of acidity and a citrus-driven, powerful, driving mineral-toned finish that’s mouthwatering for ages. With a very linear undercurrent that drives the wine forward, it’s very nice now, and it has the bones to be long-lived. Drink: 2023-2043. (11/17/23)"