Selosse Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Version Initial NV

97 points James Suckling: "Very pronounced and wonderfully complex nose of persimmon, egg yolk, cinnamon, tarte tatin, caramel, mango pastry, apricot tart and spice box. The full-bodied palate feathers a fine line between sheer power, luscious dried fruit and laser-guided acidity. Very long and intense on the finish. Drink now or hold. Disgorged 13 November 2018. (9/2/19)"

95 points Kristaps Karklins (Wine Advocate): "The latest release of the NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Initial, a cuvée that derives from the bottom part of the slopes mostly in Avize, Cramant and a bit of Oger, is based on the 2018 vintage with some 35% reserve wines from 2017 and 2016 and disgorged in June 2024 with two grams per liter dosage. Its relative generosity is informed by the mostly south-facing vines (with a minority facing east), and the topsoil here is less rich in clay and with more fragmented chalk bedrock compared to the higher-altitude parcels that produce Version Originale. Soaring from the glass with aromas of tangerine, beeswax and pear, it’s ample and demonstrative, balanced with vibrant acidity and chalky structuring extract bringing freshness to its rich core of fruit. When the tasting begins with such quality, there is no question you’re in the presence of genius. Drink: 2024-2034. (12/19/24)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "This gorgeous blanc de blancs pulls you in with a subtle thread of enticing dried rose and incense accents. Plush on the palate, with pinpricks of effervescence and a rich underpinning of chopped hazelnut and salty minerality, all supporting flavors of quince paste and tangerine and hints of white truffle and herbes de Provence. Long and supple on the clean-cut finish. Drink now through 2034. (6/30/24)"

95 points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "The Initial is a blend from three villages, Avize, Cramant and Oger, over three vintages, 2014, 2015 and 2016 produced from lower slope parcels. Redolent and rich with aromas of rich lemon curd, citrus confit, white grapefruit, butter pastry and acacia honey, the medium-bodied palate has a rich depth of citrus fruit concentration with vibrant, undulating acidity adding freshness. This Initial finishes with incredible length with a tiny beauty mark of bitterness. Disgorged March 2023 and finished Extra Brut. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2023-2038. (12/7/23)"

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2021 in France; 2014 base with reserves from 2013 and 2012; Avize and Cramant; exclusively vineyards at the top of the hill, with east exposition). Signature Selosse, such is the bombastic complexity and volume of V.O. that it resembles mature white burgundy as much as it does champagne. It reverberates with orange rind, fruit mince spice and fruit cake of impressive ripeness, body and complexity. The hard chalk of the top of the hill infuses definition and structure, brimming with fine chalk minerality of impressive carry, uniting with grapefruit pith texture and grand acid line that drive a long and accurate finish. (Edition VII; 2024)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "I love this release of the NV Champagne Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Initial, which comes from the 2018, 2017, and 2016 vintages and originates from the lower slopes in Avize, Cramant, and Oger. Golden straw-colored, it has a great deal of depth and complexity. It’s a touch volatile on opening, but that quickly blows off to reveal deeper aromatics of nectarine, smoky wet stones, citrus oils, toast, and praline. Full-bodied and both fruity and savory, with lovely extract and generosity and a pleasing warmth on the finish, this is stunning already and should provide a wide window for enjoyment over the coming 15 or so years. Drink: 2024-2040. (12/20/24)"

94 points Decanter: "Any story of Champagne in the 21st century has to include Anselme Selosse as a major character, and his wines continue to display a deeply personal style that attracts loyal followers. Initial, a blend of Chardonnay from Avize, Oiry and Cramant and based on the 2017 vintage (with reserves from 2016 and 2015) is a fine way into the explosive, highly impactful style of deep umami savour, brine and cinnamon-bark spice over roasted lemons and baked apples, long and dynamic. Drinking Window: 2024-2034. (3/2/24)"

94 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The brand new example of Jacques Selosse “Initial” Blanc de Blancs non-vintage Brut gracing the market was disgorged in October of 2022, so is most likely from the base year of 2016. It was finished with a dosage of 2.5 grams per liter. As is customary with this bottling chez Selosse, the cuvée includes reserve wines from the previous two vintages and is made from the same parcels of vines the family have always used for this wine, situated in the villages of Avize, Cramant and Oger. The bouquet is bright, refined and complex, wafting from the glass in a mix of apple, pear, hazelnut, fresh-baked bread, caraway seed, gentle notes of buttery oak and a gorgeous base of chalky soil. On the palate the wine is brisk, focused and full-bodied, with a superb core of fruit, excellent mineral drive and cut, a snappy spine of acidity, elegant mousse and a long, beautifully balanced and complex finish. This is a superb wine, but it is still quite youthful and some time in the cellar will be very nicely rewarded. Great juice. 2024-2050. (Nov/Dec 2023)"

94 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2025).