2018 Henriot L'inattendue, Champagne

Sliced pears, apples and chalk on the nose, with biscuits and chopped nuts. Fresh and clear-cut yet compact on the palate, with a medium body and very fine bubbles. Underlying minerality throughout. Dry. Chardonnay. 2g/L dosage. Drink or hold.

93 points jamessuckling.com

Champagne Henriot was founded in 1808 by Madame Apolline Henriot. More than 210 years later, the house remains fully owned by the Henriot family, currently run by the 10th generation. In one of the most commercially competitive wine regions in the world, the family remain fiercely independent and proud of their position among the top houses of Champagne. With no outside influence, the family are uninhibited in their pursuit of quality first and foremost in every one of their wines. Exceptional Premier and Grand Cru vineyard parcels, extended ageing far beyond regional standards, a high percentage of reserve wines, and winemaking focused on purity, elegance and intensity are the hallmarks of the house.