de Sousa Blanc de Blancs Champagne Caudalies Grand Cru NV

94 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Disgorged with three grams per liters in March 2020, the latest release of De Sousa's emblematic NV Extra-Brut Cuvée de Caudalies is based on the 2018 vintage, complemented by 50% reserve wines drawn from a perpetual reserve. Offering up aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, buttered toast, Meyer lemon and white flowers, it's full-bodied, deep and elegantly vinous, with a seamless profile and racy acids, complemented by an elegant pinpoint mousse. This is a terrific effort, and keenly priced, too. Drink: 2021-2031. (Sep 2021)"

94 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2013 base vintage; disgorged October 2018; 100% chardonnay; average vine age of more than 60 years; 100% vinified in small oak barrels; 50% reserves from a solera of every vintage from 1995; matured 5 years on lees; 5g/L dosage). Caudalies is De Sousa’s pinnacle and definitive range, with a mandate to showcase the house’s aspirations of minerality, strength and balance. I tasted the Caudalies solera for the first time during the 2014 harvest and was stunned at its complexity. Five years on, it reverberates with more depth than ever, reflecting the multifaceted depth of its ever-ageing solera. The result is a powerfully complex cuvée of presence and intrigue, a stroll through an autumnal landscape of spicy red apple, golden leaves and butter on toast. Tertiary nuances of charcuterie are beginning to appear along the way for the first time, but the great 2013 season upholds integrity and freshness in a pale, bright-straw hue and crunchy grapefruit purity. Dosage and acidity are well integrated, leaving the structural stage clear for the main act: the ever-present, heightened, dancing spectacle of chalk minerality. (2020-2021)"

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)