Egly-Ouriet Brut Champagne Millésimé Grand Cru 2012

99 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Broad and powerful, Egly's 2012 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is a serious, vinous Champagne somewhat reminiscent of his brilliant 2002. Delivering complex aromas of pear, honeycomb, orange oil, sweet stone fruits, praline and freshly baked bread, it's full-bodied, deep and muscular, with a multidimensional core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. Complex and compelling, readers will have a hard time choosing between the power and texture of 2012 and the quintessentially elegant, seamless 2013. Both are benchmarks for what contemporary Champagne can achieve. Drink: 2023-2045. (8/31/22)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 Brut Millésime Grand Cru is a Champagne of tremendous finesse and nuance, with the Chardonnay really driving the balance today. Chalk, white pepper, mint, sage and dried pear are some of the notes that come alive in the glass. Readers will find a brilliant, finely cut Champagne endowed with tremendous energy, especially for the year. This is pure class. Drink: 2027-2032. (May 2023)"

97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2021 in France; 70% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay; 100% Ambonnay; 40 year old vines; fully fermented and aged in barrels until bottling; no malolactic fermentation). Francis Egly’s mastery is fully revealed in the structure of this cuvée, profoundly marrying finesse, energy and vibrancy in a grand contrast with presence, succulence and richness on another level. The all-encompassing stature and presence of Egly fills the bouquet and palate with all manner of deep layers of black plum, black cherry and red cherry fruit, even fig and mixed spice. Oak barrel fermentation in concert with a decade on lees bring biscuity, toasted almond and creamy complexity, freshened magnificently with vibrant acid drive. The inimitable voice of Ambonnay speaks in stark, deep ripples of all-consuming salt minerality, with heightened mouth-filling chalk presence holding the finish with haunting, lingering persistence. (Edition VII; 2024)"