96 points/'Top-Scoring Wines of 2021,' Decanter: "Mature aromas of nuts, honey, brioche, pine nuts and lovely creamy notes with ricotta undertones and nuances of lemons and apples. Very refined, soft and luxurious, generous yet showing freshness. Wonderfully persistent. Drinking Window: 2022-2045. (Sep 2021)"
96 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2022).
95 points The World of Fine Wine: "The color is a bright yellow gold, signaling the dominance of great Pinot. There's the voluptuous scent of southeast-facing Bouzy, little red fruits, cherry and strawberry, also quince and yellow peach. A joyful and dynamic texture, enhanced by dancing, salivating bubbles. Retasted the following day, what tastes like Verzenay, the king of the northern Montagne crus, takes center-stage, very structured and vertical, with a profusion of minerals and incisive freshness, all still very tight. Both of the above grands crus were the original jewels of branches of the Paillard family, who were vignerons in 1704 and later became récoltants-manipulants (grower-winemakers). The 2012 is very much more than an apéritif Champagne. Quite Churchillian in its grandeur, it is a majestic wine of contemplation in its own right but also ideally suited to autumn suppers at the fireside with spit-roasted game - grouse (while still available), partridge, pheasant, or woodcock. You might begin with a plateau de fruits de mer, especially crab or lobster. Aged Pinot-led Champagne is equally wonderful with mature Tome de Savoie cheese. (2021)"
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "A bright, dry Champagne, this is well balanced, freshly textured and packed with tight, mineral acidity. This relatively young bottling will be best from 2022. Alcohol 12.5%. (Dec 2021)"
94 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Falstaff): "(Assemblage is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, a fifth of the base wine was fermented in oak barrels and the wine aged for eight years on lees and a further year after disgorgement when it received an extra brut dosage of just 4.5g/l.) The scent of freshly cut Golden Delicious and raw shortcrust pastry creates a generous nose that almost has overtones of Mirabelle plum. The palate has a creamy, dense mousse that underlines both the generosity of the fruit and the streamlined, precise and well-proportioned body of the wine. Edges of saltiness make the mouth water and tell of depth while smoothness creates a sense of seamless elegance. There is umami allure in the long finish. (8/8/21)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 Extra Brut Assemblage captures all of the exuberance of the vintage. Ample and creamy, the Assemblage is alluring right out of the gate. Kirsch, dried flowers, mint, baked pastry and a kiss of oak build as this open-knit Champagne shows off its considerable charm. Disgorged: March, 2020. Drink: 2021-2032. (Nov 2021)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, marrying sleek acidity and a subtle streak of chalky mineral with a detailed range of white cherry, toasted almond, candied lemon peel and spun honey notes. Lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged March 2020. Drink now through 2035. 2,163 cases made, 155 cases imported. (11/15/21)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "[$105 list] Scents of hibiscus and green grapes show off this wine’s youth, still tight after its long aging. Crisp green apple and brisk lemon emphasize the freshness that will hold the flavors for years to come. It feels layered and complete. (Dec 2021)"
96 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2022).
95 points The World of Fine Wine: "The color is a bright yellow gold, signaling the dominance of great Pinot. There's the voluptuous scent of southeast-facing Bouzy, little red fruits, cherry and strawberry, also quince and yellow peach. A joyful and dynamic texture, enhanced by dancing, salivating bubbles. Retasted the following day, what tastes like Verzenay, the king of the northern Montagne crus, takes center-stage, very structured and vertical, with a profusion of minerals and incisive freshness, all still very tight. Both of the above grands crus were the original jewels of branches of the Paillard family, who were vignerons in 1704 and later became récoltants-manipulants (grower-winemakers). The 2012 is very much more than an apéritif Champagne. Quite Churchillian in its grandeur, it is a majestic wine of contemplation in its own right but also ideally suited to autumn suppers at the fireside with spit-roasted game - grouse (while still available), partridge, pheasant, or woodcock. You might begin with a plateau de fruits de mer, especially crab or lobster. Aged Pinot-led Champagne is equally wonderful with mature Tome de Savoie cheese. (2021)"
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "A bright, dry Champagne, this is well balanced, freshly textured and packed with tight, mineral acidity. This relatively young bottling will be best from 2022. Alcohol 12.5%. (Dec 2021)"
94 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Falstaff): "(Assemblage is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, a fifth of the base wine was fermented in oak barrels and the wine aged for eight years on lees and a further year after disgorgement when it received an extra brut dosage of just 4.5g/l.) The scent of freshly cut Golden Delicious and raw shortcrust pastry creates a generous nose that almost has overtones of Mirabelle plum. The palate has a creamy, dense mousse that underlines both the generosity of the fruit and the streamlined, precise and well-proportioned body of the wine. Edges of saltiness make the mouth water and tell of depth while smoothness creates a sense of seamless elegance. There is umami allure in the long finish. (8/8/21)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 Extra Brut Assemblage captures all of the exuberance of the vintage. Ample and creamy, the Assemblage is alluring right out of the gate. Kirsch, dried flowers, mint, baked pastry and a kiss of oak build as this open-knit Champagne shows off its considerable charm. Disgorged: March, 2020. Drink: 2021-2032. (Nov 2021)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, marrying sleek acidity and a subtle streak of chalky mineral with a detailed range of white cherry, toasted almond, candied lemon peel and spun honey notes. Lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged March 2020. Drink now through 2035. 2,163 cases made, 155 cases imported. (11/15/21)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "[$105 list] Scents of hibiscus and green grapes show off this wine’s youth, still tight after its long aging. Crisp green apple and brisk lemon emphasize the freshness that will hold the flavors for years to come. It feels layered and complete. (Dec 2021)"
| Product SKU | 341359 |
| Producer | Paillard/Bruno |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| SubRegion | Montagne de Reims |
| Varietal | Champagne / Sparkling Blend |
| Designation | Extra Brut |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Blend | 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay |
| ABV | 12.0% |
| Ships To |
