Henriot Brut Champagne Millésime 2012

96 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2023).

95 points Anne Krebiehl (Falstaff): "A beautifully reductive nose smoulders with hints of flint, smoke and molten candlewax but also gives glimpses of ripe stone fruit and lemon. The palate carries on in this rich vein that suggests sumptuousness but is in fact rather sculpted. Yes, this manages to present a beautifully profound, rich but utterly precise vision of the 2012 vintage that shows off freshness, sinuousness and beautiful ripeness. Still dew fresh. Lay down or enjoy now. (11/12/21)"

93-95 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir). This ageworthy vintage cuvée is blended from six villages: Trépail, Mailly-Champagne, Verzenay and Avenay on the Montagne de Reims, and Avize and Chouilly in the Côtes des Blancs. Age-derived complexities are already emerging on the overt and richly fruity nose. It has a lovely aromatic depth, with dark, spicy and roasted coffee notes mixing with fruitcake and crystallised fruits of the exotic kind. A complex mix of red and yellow fruit. If the nose is showing evolution, the palate remains remarkably youthful. Concentrated and fruity, with a very tight, saline acid line bringing focus to the rich whole. Already delightful, but this will age tremendously well. Dosage 6g/l. (Sep 2022)"

94 points Wine & Spirits: "More chardonnay than pinot noir (54/44), this is based on fruit from premier and grand cru villages in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. The exceptional vintage created a tight and formal Champagne, juicy with apple and pear flavors carried on fine, persistent bubbles. It transitions from bright jasmine scents to mossy greenness, then lasts with a breath of smoky flint. A wine of stamina and grace, this has the stature to age, or to serve with a crown roast of pork. (Dec 2022)"

94 points James Suckling: "A fragrant nose with aromas of apples, pears, brioche and candied citrus. Round, silky and balanced with fine bubbles and a flavorful, minerally finish. Full-bodied with a creamy texture and wonderfully soft fruit. Highlights the balance of the 2012 vintage. A blend of 54% chardonnay and 46% pinot noir. Drink or hold. (7/18/22)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$100 list] A firm and focused Champagne, with a subtle overtone of minerally smoke and brine. Lacy in texture and finely knit, this offers layers of yellow apple and pear fruit, marzipan, lemon preserves and aromatic accents of toast and white flowers. Creamy and mouthwatering on the lingering finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2032. 450 cases imported. (6/30/22)"

93 points Michael Edwards (Decanter): "Two of the great grand cru villages of the Montagne de Reims (Mailly and Verzenay) contribute the majority of the powerful Pinot Noir, which at 56% of the blend, pips Chardonnay to the post, in terms of volume at least. The Chardonnay has equally impressive grand cru provenance, the villages of Avize and Chouilly lending notes of honeysuckle, lemon posset and orchard fruit. The ensemble has been dosed at just under 6g/L and is therefore labelled as Extra Brut. The texture is accordingly generous but does not lack for the rigour of a long mineral finish. Very composed. From the gold colour, the gentle honeyed seduction on the nose and all the way through to the almond and brioche finish, this is a terrific Henriot, very Henriot in style, by which one means generous, alluring and incredibly elegant, all three epithets equally relevant in the description of this terrific vintage. Drinking Window: 2022-2032. (Nov 2021)"

92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "There is plenty of that toasty/yeasty character Champagne often develops along with hints of poached apple and baked apple. The delicious, round and relatively concentrated medium-bodied flavors possess good depth with a moderate supporting mousse, all wrapped in a complex and lingering finale that is moderately dry. This is a relatively accessible 2012 that is already drinking well though it could be held for another 5-ish years if you like a toastier style of vintage bubbles. Drink: now+. (Jan 2022)"

92 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "The explosive fruitiness of 2012 suits Henriot down to a tee, with a super fresh gunpowder opening shot followed by intense citrus confit, yellow grapefruit and apricot fruit. With time more nougat richness emerges. Balanced and silky, this will age well over the medium term, although it is hard to resist its energy at present. (Dec 2022)"