Henriot Extra Brut Champagne L'Inattendue Chardonnay Grand Cru 2018

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$150 list] Rapierlike acidity defines this mineral-driven Champagne, which offers a firm, almost crunchy and refined mousse. An overtone of oyster shell and brine laces flavors of glazed apple, baked peach and financier, with accents of lemon curd, crystallized honey and pastry cream. There's an intriguing interplay between the rich profile and firm, focused structure. Drink now through 2038. 1,600 cases made, 160 cases imported. (4/28/25)"

94 points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "Henriot’s Brut L’Inattendu 2016 is a single cru from Avise that as the name suggests is an “unexpected” cuvée for Henriot. Bursting from the glass with very frank, almost Chablis-like aromas of crisp Spartan apple, lemon zest, chalk, wet stones plus a steely oxidized note, the medium-bodied palate has a different, more rounded and textured personality, with zesty acid freshness energizing a plush core of orchard fruit. Unexpected indeed. Disgorged December 2021 and finished with four grams per liter dosage. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2023-2035. (11/8/23)"

93+ points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "The second iteration of this new cuvée from Henriot maintains the demonstrative and expressive style that is characteristic of this new cuvée. The 2018 Brut L'inattendue evokes aromas of peach, ripe orchard fruits and lemon intertwined with menthol notes and slightly smoky hints. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and elegantly structured, it’s perfectly balanced with a vinous mid-palate and a long, mouthwatering and mineral finish. This is one of the most exciting cuvées from this house, which recently changed hands. Drink: 2024-2034. (10/24/24)"

93 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2024 in Australia; 100% Chouilly chardonnay; lieu-dit Puitron; 30 year old vines; one hectare gently south-facing, across the road from Nicolas Feuillatte; disgorged June 2023 for release in June 2024; 2g/L dosage; cork; 10,000 bottles). Following the inaugural L’Inattendue from Avize, its successor hails from Chouilly. The generous and fruity harvest of 2018 has been captured with power and presence in this expressive village. A core of ripe fig, white nectarine and pear pushes into layers of rich complexity unexpected in young chardonnay, reminiscent of blood orange, baked apple, dark spice, fruit mince spice, even marmalade. At six years of age, it has already built a creamy texture and layers of crème pâtissière. Low dosage is the correct call for such a rich and rounded season, with the saline chalk minerality of Chouilly tracing a long finish, accented with a little phenolic bite reminiscent of blood orange zest. This makes for a vintage ready to drink in its youth. (2024)"

93 points Claire Nesbitt (JamesSuckling.com): "Sliced pears, apples and chalk on the nose, with biscuits and chopped nuts. Fresh and clear-cut yet compact on the palate, with a medium body and very fine bubbles. Underlying minerality throughout. Dry. Chardonnay. 2g/L dosage. Drink or hold. (5/20/24)"