Drappier Brut Champagne Grande Sendrée 2012

98 points Gibert & Gaillard: "Beautiful light gold colour. On the nose, candied fruit mingle with notes of oak and vanilla. The mouth is masterful, ample, suave, intensely fragrant and endlessly long. A truly impressive expression of terroir! (Jan 2023)"

95 points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "In 2012, severe weather conditions posed significant challenges for the Drappier family; hail impacted almost 70% of their village, and frost hit 20% of the La Grande Sendrée plot. This resulted in a limited yield of the 2012 Brut Grande Sendrée, which has a delicate, deep bouquet with aromas of pear, peach, orchard fruit, baked bread and spices. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s a layered and structured, tension-filled but ethereal Champagne with racy acidity. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, disgorged with 4.9 grams per liter dosage. Drink: 2023-2040. (11/16/23)"

95 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "This delightful wine is a benchmark for the Aube. Its exquisite texture boasts a delightfully creamy, dense feel and vibrant energy. The fruit aromas range from ripe pear to apricot and quince, accented by fresh white flowers and a firm mineral note. The grapes come from a single site that has been in the family since the 19th century that is organically farmed and worked by horse. The base wines are fermented in large oak uprights and dosed at 4.5g/L after eight years on the lees. Drinking Window: 2023-2050. (Apr 2023)"

95 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Fermented and aged in wood before bottling, this is an impressive Champagne. It is a ripe well-matured wine, blending Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With a yeasty aroma and a deep sense of contentment, the wine is rich and ready to drink. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2024)"

94 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Vinous): "The 2012 Extra Brut Grande Sendrée is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from a single vineyard in Urville which had been covered in ashes following a fire in 1836. Creaminess and oven-warm Viennoiserie combine on the attractive nose of this golden wine. More air reveals a note of blossom honey. The palate is full of 2012's dramatic vigor, full of freshness but showing off sunshine with honeyed impressions and lovely concentration. Depth of flavor and fruit define the palate while freshness frames it all and gives sleek contour. Zesty length and a sense of grilled hazelnut lasts and echoes. Dosage is 4.5gr/L. Disgorged: December, 2022. Drink: 2023-2035. (Nov 2023)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$154 list] A tightly meshed Champagne, slowly revealing layers of ripe black cherry, blood orange granita, blanched almond, crystallized honey and oyster shell flavors as they ride the fine, creamy, satiny mousse. Reveals saline tang that works in tandem with finely knit acidity to create a mouthwatering finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2032. 500 cases imported. (12/15/23)"