2019 Pascal 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.

97 points Antoni Galloni, Vinous

Disgorged June 2025. A very special wine from a very special plot. Vénus comes from just 0.3 hectares of vines planted in 1959 on the chalkiest part of the slope in Avize's famous La Fosse site. Made in tiny quantities and named after the Boulonnais mare that first ploughed the vineyard, it takes the Avizoise to another level: more depth, flesh and power, yet also more finesse and mineral intensity as well. Again, no dosage. The 2019 has otherworldly vibrancy and extraordinary length. Cellar it for two or three years if you can; otherwise, decant it young, and serve it in a Burgundy glass regardless. The Côte des Blancs' answer to great Chevalier-Montrachet deserves nothing less.

Some Champagnes are genuinely extraordinary, and Vénus is among the most coveted creations of Pascal Agrapart. Based in Avize, the Agrapart family has cultivated vineyards in the Côte des Blancs since the nineteenth century. Pascal's dedication to exceptional farming, individual vineyard expression and traditional craftsmanship has established him as one of Champagne's most respected growers. Named after the horse once used to work the vineyard, Vénus is a remarkable expression of Chardonnay from a single Grand Cru parcel.

Brilliant pale gold with a fine, delicate bead. Ripe citrus, white peach and golden apple mingle with toasted brioche, roasted almond, lemon oil and crushed chalk. The palate is concentrated and wonderfully textured, with creamy mousse, vibrant acidity and remarkable depth. Subtle notes of honeycomb, oyster shell and gentle spice lead into an exceptionally long, saline finish.

A Champagne worthy of a memorable meal. Think freshly shucked oysters, grilled marron with lemon and tarragon, or delicate crab ravioli with a light shellfish sauce. Its remarkable complexity would also complement roasted cauliflower with hazelnut and aged Parmesan.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040+. Already magnificent, with the concentration and mineral structure to develop beautifully over the next decade and beyond.