Egly-Ouriet Champagne Brut Grand Cru (NV)

With this release, based on the 2014 vintage and disgorged in June-July 2019, what was formerly Egly's Brut "Tradition" becomes simply his NV Brut Grand Cru, a simplification that paves the way for several new cuvées from this reference-point grower that I'll be reporting about in due course. Changes in nomenclature aside, the wine in the bottle has never been better, and the latest release soars from the glass with an expressive bouquet of golden orchard fruit, honeycomb, citrus zest and freshly baked bread. On the palate, it's full-bodied, deep and layered, with real concentration and intensity, built around racy acids and chalky dry extract. The finish is long and lingering.