de Sousa Blanc de Blancs Champagne Caudalies Grand Cru NV

94 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in France; 100% chardonnay from old vineyards in Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; fermented in small barrels; 50% 2018 base vintage with 50% perpetual reserve since 1995, as always; bottled 16 July 2019, disgorged 26 November 2021; 3g/L dosage). A strong and powerful Caudalies, fusing the depth and breadth of a powerful base vintage with a strong inclusion of a deep solera. Rich layers of fig, yellow nectarine, peach and mixed spice unite with all the creamy layers of brioche, ginger cake and candied orange. Fine, saline chalk minerality marries with nicely defined, gentle acidity to draw out a long finish. Generous, succulent, creamy and ready. (Edition VII; 2024)"

93 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Based on the 2017 vintage, the NV Extra-Brut Cuvée des Caudalies was disgorged in January 2021 (the 2018-based wine is already available in export markets) with three grams per liter dosage. Mingling aromas of apricot and mandarin orange with notions of almond paste, buttered toast and nutmeg, it's medium to full-bodied, elegant and fine-boned, with a fleshy core of fruit, racy acids and a sapid finish. It's produced from old Chardonnay vines, with the base vintage complemented by some 50% drawn from a perpetual reserve established in 1995. Drink: 2022-2033. (Aug 2022)"

93 points Yohan Castaing (Decanter): "With a dosage of 4g/l, 15% new oak, and grapes from a biodynamically farmed parcel in Avize, Cuvée des Caudalies is a succulent non-vintage Champagne. Scents of verbena , white fruits, white pepper and salty notes lead into a vinous, dense, and silky palate, the texture perfectly-balanced and powerful. It finishes very long and fresh. (Nov 2019)"

93 points James Suckling: "Old chardonnay vines from Avize, fermented in oak and a reserve wine solera blended in. This has a very focused and subtly complex personality with a deep-set, rich, peach, lemon and grapefruit feel. It delivers a long, salty mineral thread at the finish. Super concentrated and distinctive. Drink now or hold. Disgorged January 2019. (9/2/19)"

92 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "From De Sousa's oldest vineyards in the Côte des Blancs Grand Crus. 50% from the 2017 harvest, with 50% perpetual reserve began in 1985. Disgorged in January 2021. Charred grapefruit intensity with some pithy focus on the back end, the mid succulent with a little greengage and a gentle flicker of herbs and bright mandarin. The shape is finely tapered with lovely citrus oil grip and energy, but the style is far from unapproachable or oaky. This will benefit from cellarage over two to five years. (Dec 2022)