Piper-Heidsieck Extra Brut Champagne Essentiel NV

92-94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(base 2018; 44% Pinot Noir, 34% Pinot Meunier, 22% Chardonnay). This is chef de cave Emilien Boutillat’s first Cuvée Essentiel creation, and a fine one it is from this lush vintage, replenished by 27% reserve wines. Despite all the fruity charm, the ripe Pinot nose comes with elegance. A touch of floral complexity meet toasty tones. On the palate it is energetic zingy, with the low 4g/l dosage enhancing the fresh appeal. Lovely lemony finish of salinity and fruity persistence. (Jun 2023)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Toasty on the nose, with hints of grilled nut, smoke and spices transitioning on the palate to accent flavors of baked nectarine, candied ginger and mandarin orange peel. Harmonious and expressive, with a fine, raw, silky mousse and pretty lime blossom and graphite accents on the finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Disgorged November 2021. Drink now. (11/30/22)"

93 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "Essentiel is the same wine as the Brut, but with extra ageing on lees and a lower dosage (future editions, however, will be bespoke blends). So, 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, based on 2014 in this case. Over the Brut you notice an uplift in ground nut and praline richness, the fruit turning candied and a little spice emerging. It's still that classic sparky, zesty Piper style at heart, just with a touch of umami length and interest. Highly recommendable (and the magnums are an excellent find). (2022)"

93 points James Suckling: "Toast and spice elements here, underneath dried pineapple, guava and grilled hazelnuts. Rich and delicious, with soft bubbles and savory salted-lemon undertones. Dry and lengthy finish. 50% pinot noir, 30% pinot meunier and 20% chardonnay, with 20% reserve wines. 4.8g/L dosage. Bottled 2016 and disgorged May 2020. Drink now. (7/22/22)"

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$80 list] This Champagne has had some bottle aging, giving softness and a yeasty brioche character. That aspect mingles with the wine's perfumed minerality and citrus flavors. Drink this fine wine now. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2022)"

92 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The NV Champagne Essentiel Extra Brut offers a more gastronomic side to the range, with a slightly lower dosage and a more linear and mineral approach. This release was from the 2012 vintage with 18% reserve wine. It was aged for six years on the lees and has 5 grams per liter of dosage, with a high percentage of fruit coming from the Montagne de Reims. It reveals notes of fig, coffee, and pear, which are emblematic of the house style, and the palate is focused, with a light saline touch. Drink 2023-2033. Disgorged March 2017. Drink: 2023-2033. (11/7/22)"