Henriot Brut Champagne Millésime 2008

96 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(disgorged February 2018; 50% chardonnay, 50% pinot; 10 premier crus and grand crus; aged 9 years on lees; 6g/L dosage; cork). Fresnet describes 2008 as ‘the most gifted vintage of the 2000s, complex, generous, fresh, elegant yet expressive – the DNA of Henriot’. A fitting vintage to celebrate the 200th birthday of the house. The juxtaposition he’s captured here is captivating, a pronounced contrast between the exciting tension and vivacity of 2008 acidity and the depth of creamy texture and complexity instilled by a decade on lees. It ripples with toasted brioche, almond nougat, Parisienne baguette and gingernut biscuits, carrying captivating complexity of subtle spice, even white pepper. Upholding a medium straw hue even at such age, it concludes with magnificent drive and focus, its line and length on another order and its energy and drive promising decades of potential. Acidity as bright as stark pure daylight illuminates the chalk minerality of tremendous crus to mouth-embracing heights. One of the greats from the most exceptional vintage in decades, it stands as a grand testimony to Fresnet’s precise attention to detail and seamless craft... (2020-2021)"

96 points Michael Edwards (Decanter): "An undramatic, cloud-filled season came right in a late harvest in October. A textbook cool vintage of great ageing potential. The perfect 50/50 balance of mineral-stamped Chardonnay and powerful, masculine Pinot makes this a champagne for patient drinkers, as it will take time to reach its peak. Vibrant acidity is joined by notes of white flowers and that magnificent mineral structure. Drinking Window: 2020-2035. (Jun 2018)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "Packed with fruit while hinting at mature toastiness, this wine is now in perfect balance. Its white fruits are from half-and-half Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, shot through with acidity while having a ripe character. Rich while also crisp, it is ready to drink. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2018)"

93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2008 Henriot Brut Millésime is composed of its traditional cépages of fifty percent chardonnay and fifty percent pinot noir. It was aged eight years sur latte and finished with a dosage of six grams per liter. The wine is beautifully pure on the nose in the style of this lovely vintage, wafting from the glass in a blend of pear, delicious apple, brioche, a touch of almond pastry dough, lovely, chalky soil tones and a bit of orange zest in the upper register. On the palate the wine is crisp, full-bodied, focused and superbly well-balanced, with bright acids, refined mousse, a fine core and a long, complex and vibrant finish. This is drinking very well at age eleven, but is still a tad tightly-knit and more mid-palate generosity will emerge with another five year or so in the cellar. Very impressive juice. Drink: 2019-2050. (May/Jun 2019)"

93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "There is ample petrol character to the cool, pure and beautifully fresh nose that combines notes of citrus and yeast with those of green apple and a whiff of pain grillé. I really like the sense of tension and energy to the intense, delineated and solidly complex flavors that are supported by a firm and reasonably fine effervescence before culminating in a very dry, highly complex and superbly persistent finish. The outstanding 2008 vintage in Champagne can count another winner as this is a wine to buy and age in quantity. Note that while this could certainly be enjoyed now, I would continue to hold it for another 2 to 5 years. Drink: 2020+. (Oct 2018)"