Henri Giraud Champagnes New Arrivals

The NV Blanc de Craie, 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Aÿ and Louvois, is bright and finely sculpted, with terrific aromatic intensity, tons of nuance and all the vibrancy from the chalk-rich soils that give this cuvée its name. Citrus peel, white flowers, white pepper, mint and anise lead into the vivid, persistent finish. The Blanc is done entirely in oak, but it is neutral, so there is virtually no oak imprint at all in the flavors, only in the textural feel. One of the unique aspects of the Blanc de Craie is that the base vintage (2017 in this case) accounts for only 30% of the blend. Dosage is 6 grams per liter.  ANTONIO GALLONI, vinous.com

The NV Esprit Nature is a fine introduction to this range. Silky and aromatic, with lovely palate presence, the Esprit Nature is a good choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Pear, white flowers and mint lend quite a bit of aromatic presence and overall lift. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 5, 2023. ANTONIO GALLONI

A rich version set in a firm, finely honed frame, with exotic spice, lime blossom and orange liqueur notes forming an aromatic thread, which winds through raspberry tart, grilled nut, graphite and crystallized honey flavors. Silky in texture, with a long, mouthwatering finish. WINE SPECTATOR

The NV Hommage au Pinot Noir is silky, soft and accessible. Gentle hints of dried orchard fruit, spice, chamomile, lemon confit, dried flowers and a touch of oak all grace this restrained, classy Champagne. This release is based on 2019, with 40% reserve wines. Disgorged: November 15, 2022. Drinking window 2023- 2030. ANTONIO GALLONI

Beginning with the striking, pale copper color, this is very unconventional rosé champagne. Wonderful fruit aromas that range from cherry and wild strawberry to persimmon and candied orange with a touch of sushi ginger. Then comes the mouth-filling and well-structured palate that has an amazing grainy-chalky feel to it, unlike anything else in this category. Very long, saline finish. A cuvée of pinot noir with a small amount of chardonnay that was vinified in amphoras. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING

The NV Dame-Jane is 100% Pinot Noir vinified and aged in amphora. Bright and light on its feet, the Dame-Jane is brisk and yet also shows quite a bit of depth. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, crushed rocks and hard candy all grace this super-expressive, mid-weight Rosé. This release is based on 2019, with 40% reserve wines. Disgorged: October 1, 2022. ANTONIO GALLONI

The MV 18 is a classic Giraud Champagne. Apricot jam, tangerine peel, spice, honey and hazelnut give this mid-weight, classy Champagne tons of complexity and nuance. Readers will find a Champagne of notable purity and finesse. There's plenty of Giraud intensity, but in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. The blend is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, all from Aÿ, based on 2018, with a blend of reserve wines that span vintages 1990 through 2017. Disgorged: November 14, 2022. ANTONIO GALLONI

This is the bottled essence of Henri Giraud, with the unmissable stamp of Aÿ Pinot Noir. Child of the ripe, voluminous yet fine 2018 vintage, this is replenished with wine from the house's famous perpetual reserve, created in 1990, and is loaded with promise. On the nose, the generous and bold fruitiness is seamlessly integrated into the soft, smoky oaky tones. Dried apricots and sweet nectarines meet exotic spices and candied orange. The concentration does not amount to too much on the pulpy-juicy palate. Prickly bubbles bring a notion of vibrancy and freshness to the rich whole. ESSI AVELLAM MW