Wine Advisor
Henri Giraud, Argonne Brut Ay Grand Cru 2002
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Description
Many critics score this Champagne Brut wine highly: The Wine Advocate gave the 2016 vintage a score of 96. Critic tasting note: (2017 vintage) "Aromas of dried roses, gunmetal and candle wax with cedar undertones. Full-bodied with layered, silky bubbles that are totally integrated but give direction to the wine. Hints of caramel and buttered hazelnuts to the dried oranges. Long and flavorful. Wild and rich yet fresh. Fermented 1.5 years in 100% new Argonne oak barrels. Disgorged February 2025. Drink or hold." - James Suckling
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2002 Brut Argonne has developed even greater richness and body since I last tasted it about six months ago. Candied orange peel, white truffles, spices, tropical fruit, honey and mint are some of the many aromas and flavors that emerge from a rich, voluptuous Champagne built on pure texture. A fleshy, resonant Champagne, the 2002 Argonne is all about breadth and expansiveness. Tasted next to the 2004, the 2002 comes across as a bit heavy and lacking freshness. My preference would be to drink the 2002 sooner rather than later, as I don't think it will ever be more beautiful than it is right now. The 2002 is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. This bottle was disgorged on July 4, 2013.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2002 Brut Argonne is cool, sophisticated and striking. White flowers, spices, dried pears, almonds and citrus are some of the many notes that wrap around the palate in this sublime, beautifully expressive Champagne. Given the vintage, vinification in oak and Giraud house style, I expected a much bigger, richer Champagne. Instead, the Argonne impresses for its sense of poise and overall harmony. The style is classic Giraud, with plenty of gently oxidative overtones from the vinification in oak, but all the elements are very nicely balanced. Argonne is Claude Giraud's new tête-de-cuvée and is named for the forest where Giraud sources his oak.
About the Producer
In 1625, François Hémart settled in the village of Aÿ and began to produce champagne. Today Claude Giraud, son of Henri Giraud and the 12th generation of the family, presides over the estate’s destiny and produces the Giraud champagnes in Aÿ. The estate is located at the Aÿ Grand Cru comprised with 33,500 hectares of land, only less than 9% in that area can be classified as 100% Grand Cru and Henri Giraud Champagne is one of the few. Over 1000 years, there are only 323 vineyards in the area and Aÿ Grand Cru is the exemplar of all Grand Cru, at the same time here grows the best Pinot Noir. Claude Giraud, 12th generation of the Giraud-Hémart family, today presides over the destiny of this Champagne House.
