97 points Decanter: "(50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir). An unctuous display of baked peach, toffee apple and roasted nut aromatics with an explosion of toasted lemon acidity and a bustling mousse. Dynamic and exciting with a graceful whisper of savoury smokiness on the long finish. Alcohol 12.0%. (DWWA 2023)"
95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(50% pinot noir from the three historic terroirs of Apolline Henriot of Verzy (for structure and strength), Verzenay (for elegance) and Mailly-Champagne (for aromatic tone, opulence and power); 50% chardonnay, from Avize (for its freshness and ‘glacial profile’), Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (for its luminous brilliance) and Chouilly (for its generosity and roundness) from Marie Marguet’s marriage to Paul Henriot in 1880; <5g/L dosage (now printed on back label); aged at least 12 years on lees; disgorged November 2022; cork). Fresnet’s fantastic work on his Millésime and Millésime Rosé in the sublime 2008 season instil an enormous sense of anticipation around his flagship cuvée, one of Champagne’s last releases from this beloved vintage. There is an inherent strength and generosity surrounding Hemera that can render it burdensome in warmer vintages, but 2008 has furnished Fresnet with the opportunity to bring his aspiration of freshness to life. A medium straw hue is decidedly more pale than the 2005 and 2006 before it. The red fruit focus of north-eastern Montagne de Reims pinot noir meets the dynamic crunch of northern Côte des Blancs chardonnay, making for a cuvée of pronounced structural framework accentuated by the honed fuselage of the streamlined 2008 harvest. There is a tremendous juxtaposition here that encapsulates 2008 as it sets tremendous concentration in contrast with searing tension unlike anything since, or back to 1996 itself. Crunchy red apple, beurre bosc pear, strawberry hull and grapefruit are all present in abundance, with slowly rising toasted brioche complexity declaring the blessings of 12 years on lees. A touch of bruised apple oxidative development on the finish is surprising for this energetic season, if not out of place in the Hemera style. Without a backup bottle on hand, it’s not possible to ascertain if this is bottle specific. Nonetheless, it does not diminish its grand persistence or tremendous potential. (Edition VII; 2024)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "This elegant Champagne is all about finesse, from the creamy, pointillism-like bead to the fine china frame of acidity to the delicate mesh of roasted hazelnut, quince paste and dried apricot flavors and accents of verbena, white truffle and saline. Don't rush this one -- sit and sip. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2035. 250 cases imported. (12/15/23)"
95 points James Suckling: "Dried flowers, dusty chalk, hazelnuts, hints of licorice, white pepper, dried apples and dried pineapples on the nose, with underlying Meyer lemon character. Sleek and elegant, with very fine bubbles and a zesty and vibrant finish. 50% each chardonnay and pinot noir from the six founding crus. 5g/L dosage. Disgorged November 2022. Drink or hold. (3/9/23)"
95 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Beautifully mature, this Champagne is from grand cru vineyards, giving richness and layers of white fruits. It is textured with spice and softened white fruits celebrating that the wine is just right now. So drink now. (Sep 2023)"
93-94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir). Cuvée Hemera is classically an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that enjoys long ageing in the cellar. Extended time on the yeast lees has really printed its mark on this yeasty-exuberant wine with has heaps of exotic and dried fruits, brioche and honey. Quite contrastingly, the palate is driven by the wine’s high acidity, that lightens the overall impression. Velvet-smooth and caressing, this rich and voluptuous wine is ready to drink. (Aug 2023)"
95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(50% pinot noir from the three historic terroirs of Apolline Henriot of Verzy (for structure and strength), Verzenay (for elegance) and Mailly-Champagne (for aromatic tone, opulence and power); 50% chardonnay, from Avize (for its freshness and ‘glacial profile’), Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (for its luminous brilliance) and Chouilly (for its generosity and roundness) from Marie Marguet’s marriage to Paul Henriot in 1880; <5g/L dosage (now printed on back label); aged at least 12 years on lees; disgorged November 2022; cork). Fresnet’s fantastic work on his Millésime and Millésime Rosé in the sublime 2008 season instil an enormous sense of anticipation around his flagship cuvée, one of Champagne’s last releases from this beloved vintage. There is an inherent strength and generosity surrounding Hemera that can render it burdensome in warmer vintages, but 2008 has furnished Fresnet with the opportunity to bring his aspiration of freshness to life. A medium straw hue is decidedly more pale than the 2005 and 2006 before it. The red fruit focus of north-eastern Montagne de Reims pinot noir meets the dynamic crunch of northern Côte des Blancs chardonnay, making for a cuvée of pronounced structural framework accentuated by the honed fuselage of the streamlined 2008 harvest. There is a tremendous juxtaposition here that encapsulates 2008 as it sets tremendous concentration in contrast with searing tension unlike anything since, or back to 1996 itself. Crunchy red apple, beurre bosc pear, strawberry hull and grapefruit are all present in abundance, with slowly rising toasted brioche complexity declaring the blessings of 12 years on lees. A touch of bruised apple oxidative development on the finish is surprising for this energetic season, if not out of place in the Hemera style. Without a backup bottle on hand, it’s not possible to ascertain if this is bottle specific. Nonetheless, it does not diminish its grand persistence or tremendous potential. (Edition VII; 2024)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "This elegant Champagne is all about finesse, from the creamy, pointillism-like bead to the fine china frame of acidity to the delicate mesh of roasted hazelnut, quince paste and dried apricot flavors and accents of verbena, white truffle and saline. Don't rush this one -- sit and sip. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2035. 250 cases imported. (12/15/23)"
95 points James Suckling: "Dried flowers, dusty chalk, hazelnuts, hints of licorice, white pepper, dried apples and dried pineapples on the nose, with underlying Meyer lemon character. Sleek and elegant, with very fine bubbles and a zesty and vibrant finish. 50% each chardonnay and pinot noir from the six founding crus. 5g/L dosage. Disgorged November 2022. Drink or hold. (3/9/23)"
95 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Beautifully mature, this Champagne is from grand cru vineyards, giving richness and layers of white fruits. It is textured with spice and softened white fruits celebrating that the wine is just right now. So drink now. (Sep 2023)"
93-94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir). Cuvée Hemera is classically an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that enjoys long ageing in the cellar. Extended time on the yeast lees has really printed its mark on this yeasty-exuberant wine with has heaps of exotic and dried fruits, brioche and honey. Quite contrastingly, the palate is driven by the wine’s high acidity, that lightens the overall impression. Velvet-smooth and caressing, this rich and voluptuous wine is ready to drink. (Aug 2023)"
| Product SKU | 357120 |
| Producer | Henriot |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Varietal | Champagne / Sparkling Blend |
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Blend | 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir |
| ABV | 12.0% |
| Ships To |
