Champagne Egly Ouriet Grand Cru Extra Brut NV

Francis Egly is the fourth generation of the Egly family, who have old vine vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay (home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir in Champagne), where he is considered perhaps the finest grower. Francis took over from his father Michel in 1980, with the intent to take these already revered Pinot Noir dominant Champagnes to the absolute apex of quality. He began using organic methods in the vineyards, with regular ploughing, and reduced yields. Once the grapes enter his cellar, Francis makes sure to only allow for the gentlest possible extraction, of which he only keeps the purest first pressing (known as the cuvée). Francis believes deeply that complexity and structure comes not only from perfect fruit, but also from extended lees aging. This belief is felt throughout his lineup, with most of his wines undergoing a minimum of 48 months on the lees with some cuvees being aged for 100+ months! 50% 2017, 30% 2016, 20% 2015 - 48 months on lees, disgorged J