Rodez/Eric Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV

93 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Vinous): "The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs is largely vinified in oak with a portion of the wine not undergoing malolactic fermentation. The pale golden wine shows off dried corn husk and polenta on the nose. The palate comes with a certain roundedness that seems to drip with juiciness. This is distinctly Chardonnay, but with more oomph, more fruit, more softness. Mirabelle and lemon swirl while autolysis backs them up and absolutely lip-smacking freshness pulls all the delicious strings. A lovely picture of Ambonnay Chardonnay. Lot 04/2023. Drink: 2023-2033. (Nov 2023)"

92 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in France; 100% Ambonnay chardonnay; 31% 2018, 14% 2017, 17% 2016, 38% older reserves; 85% vinified in barrels, 15% in tanks; 10% malolactic fermentation; 2.5g/L dosage). Ambonnay is planted to 30% chardonnay and Eric Rodez has 32%. He has always described his blanc de blancs as more ‘masculine’ and his blanc de noirs as more ‘feminine’. The body of 2018 gives chardonnay the rounded generosity of pinot noir in the terroir of Ambonnay. A year and a half since my first tasting, it has heightened its depth of ripe peach, fleshy pear and almost pineapple, bolstered by all the honey and spice of age. Rodez captures the chalk minerality of the village to unite with nicely balanced acidity to build beautiful structure and energy on a finish of great length and line. A blanc de blancs ready for main course fare. (Edition VII; 2024)"

Producer notes: "Brut Champagne produced exclusively from several different harvests of Chardonnay. In fact, this cuvée normally sees five or six different vintages in order to ensure the same delicacy between years. Very flowery and delicate, and much more sensual than Champagnes made with strictly high percentages of Pinot Noir."