Henri Giraud Brut Nature Champagne 'Esprit Nature' NV 375ml

94 points Anne Krebiehl (Falstaff): "An unusually golden colour shimmers in the glass. The nose is immediate with the mellow richness of Red Delicious apple flesh. The palate has a lovely saltiness to couonter the rich, Pinot- and ryebread scented richness. There is an intensity and depth that is immense, here is resonance on a bone-dry ut rich body. The finish is taut, clena, salty. Quite a feat. (8/8/21)"

93 points James Suckling: "A fresh, bright and sleek Champagne with aromas of biscuits, lemon pith, pear skins, apricots and pie crust. Supple bubbles on the fresh, dry palate. Salted-praline notes at the end. 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay, plus 50% perpetual reserve, all vinified in old oak barrels from the Argonne forest. Delicious now. (7/13/22)"

92 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Based on the 2017 vintage (complemented with some 50% from the house's perpetual reserve) and disgorged in January 2020, the latest rendition of the NV Brut Esprit Nature is showing very well, mingling aromas of yellow orchard fruit and peach with nuances of toasted bread, candied peel, white flowers, clear honey and fresh almonds. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's elegantly vinous, with lively acids and a long, delicately oak-inflected finish. Fermented in barrels, some 20% of the blend derives from domaine holdings. Drink: 2020-2030. (Mar 2021)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The NV Esprit Nature is a fabulous introduction to this range. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive, the Esprit Nature captures all of the textural intensity that is such a Giraud signature, but in an approachable style. The Esprit Nature is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done mostly in oak, with a bit of sandstone amphora. This release is based on 2017, 50% reserve wines. Readers should note that the "Nature" is used here as part of the wine name, rather than an indication of dosage, which is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 21, 2020. Drink: 2021-2029. (Nov 2021)"

90 points Wine Spectator: "This balanced Champagne has a fine mousse, with a well-knit spine of citrus-laced acidity defining rich notes of plumped cherry, rosehip, biscuit and candied ginger. Drink now through 2024. (10/15/21)"