2019 Agrapart Vénus Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru, Champagne

The 2019 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Vénus Grand Cru is another striking wine in this range. Seamless and layered in the glass, the Vénus has so much to offer. All the elements are so well balanced, so totally put together. White pepper, chalk, mint and crushed rocks are all finely delineated. This tiny parcel in Avize, planted in 1959, consistently turns out pedigreed Champagnes. Magnificent. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: June 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year. Drink 2027-2039.

97 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Aromas of minerals, nuts, subtle pastry, lemon pulp and orange blossoms. Medium- to full-bodied with zesty lemony acidity and tingling fine bubbles extending to the finish. Drink or hold.

95 points James Suckling

Few growers in Champagne command the respect of Pascal Agrapart, whose family estate in Avize has become a benchmark for exceptional Blanc de Blancs. Working with old Chardonnay vines across the Côte des Blancs, Agrapart produces Champagnes of remarkable individuality, shaped by meticulous vineyard work and an unwavering commitment to expressing terroir. Vénus is one of his rarest and most coveted cuvées, a wine that has earned a devoted following among Champagne collectors.

The 2019 comes from a tiny parcel of old Chardonnay vines in the Grand Cru village of Avize, traditionally worked by horse to protect the vineyard soils. Fermented in oak and bottled with minimal intervention, Vénus captures the extraordinary concentration and mineral character of this celebrated chalk terroir.

Pale golden yellow with a delicate, persistent mousse. Lemon oil, ripe pear and white peach mingle with acacia blossom, toasted almond and a hint of fresh brioche. The palate is wonderfully concentrated yet beautifully restrained, with crystalline citrus, subtle orchard fruit and a fine, almost creamy texture. Chalky minerality, vibrant acidity and a gentle saline character lead to an exceptionally long, savoury finish.

Try it with freshly shucked oysters, steamed mud crab with ginger and spring onion, or delicate scallop crudo with finger lime. Its depth and texture would also be superb alongside a wild mushroom and Parmesan tart.

Cellaring: Drink 2027 to 2040+. Already compelling, but the structure and concentration suggest outstanding ageing potential.