Fût de Chêne, Grand Cru, Aÿ,

The usual Pinot Noir dominated wine from the fabulous Grand Cru Ay vineyard. The 1999 is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, with the first fermentation in oak barriques. Regularly one of the most intense and concentrated Champagne's available, this Henri Giraud Grand Cru Fut de Chene does not disappoint. A very young 1999, still a little closed, that will reward some cellaring, this is nonetheless a thoroughly intense, profound Champagne, toasty oak notes on the nose, leading to a palate bursting with firm fresh and ripe red berry and redcurrant fruit characteristics, voluptuous but beautifully defined. There is plenty to come from this!