Jacquesson Extra Brut Champagne Cuvée 742 NV

94 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2014 base vintage; disgorged June 2018; 41% Avize and Oiry, 59% Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers; 1.5g/L dosage). Jean-Hervé Chiquet describes 2014 as a difficult vintage with some tense acidity, so he had too make a selection. Chardonnay was very good and the finished result was better than he was expecting from a challenging harvest. There is no question that the house is better positioned than ever to deal with the vagaries of Champagne’s seasons. The characterful distinction of the Jacquesson style is ever more defined as the house more tightly hones its sourcing, viticulture and vinification. The fruit hails from more noble sources than in the past, gripping grand terroirs with greater confidence of structure and tension, upholding taut focus of lemon and grapefruit amidst characterful expression of red apple fruit, tangy grapefruit and crunchy crab-apple bite. It’s riper, too, in a full straw hue, with flickers of exoticism reflected in persimmon, tangelo and pomegranate, yet at every moment vibrant, citrus-driven and honed. Skilfully managed barrel work spins beautifully woven texture without oxidation or oak character, building a fine, creamy mouthfeel that amplifies salty minerality. A well-crafted and characterful wine of great persistence and tension. (2020-2021)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The NV Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742 (2014 base) has really opened up since I last tasted it about a year ago. The Pinot is so expressive in the No. 742, a Champagne built on texture and resonance. Dried pear, dried flowers, plum and spice fill out the wine's frame effortlessly, but the 742 truly shines with a bit of air, which seems to accent its freshness. Readers looking for a fine grower Champagne to drink now will find much to like. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Disgorged January 2019. Dosage is 1.5 grams per liter. Drink: 2020-2030. (Aug 2020)"

94 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Medium greenish-yellow, silver reflections; good mousse. A hint of hazelnut, fresh white apple, hints of citrus zest, floral notes and a subtle rancio undertone, mineral aspect. Taut, tightly knotted texture on the palate, delicate red berry and cherry hints, driven by the acid structure so typical of Jacquesson. A complex, fresh, very gluggable but individualistic style. (Deg. 8/2018) (11/21/19)"

94 points/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "The house now presents the cuvée No742, based on the 2014 vintage. A straight, intense and very precise champagne, with very controlled oxidation. The Jacquesson style par excellence. (2020)"

93+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Based on the 2014 vintage and disgorged with 1.5 grams per liter dosage in July 2018, Jacquesson's NV Extra Brut Cuvée No. 742 continues the house's pioneering series of cuvées that employ reserve wines not in pursuit of a constant "house style" but merely with the aim of complementing each base vintage to maximize its potential. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of walnut oil, dried white flowers, saffron, citrus oil and crisp orchard fruit, along with a delicate top note of fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, sapid and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. I found it irresistible. Drink: 2019-2029. (Aug 2019)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$90 list] A creamy and harmonious version, with a fragrant skein of spice that unwinds through flavors of raspberry tart, lemon pastry cream, lime blossom and candied ginger. Lightly mouthwatering on the lingering, spiced finish. Disgorged July 2018. Drink now through 2024. (12/15/19)"

93 points James Suckling: "This is packed with interest and has a savory edge with a big, grilled-almond and toasty feel to the nose, together with some fresh, crushed hazelnuts and green apples. The palate has a very bold and punchy feel with super crisp flavors and a big surge of acid-drenched power. Finishes bracingly dry. Based on the 2014 vintage. Drink now. (9/2/19)"