2015 - Egly-Ouriet, Brut Millesime

From a sunny vintage in which the harvest—commencing relatively late, on September 20—proved ultimately rewarding, Egly’s 2015 Grand Cru Millésime has turned out remarkably elegant. A classic blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from Ambonnay, it was disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter—significantly lower than the 2008 edition, when Egly needed to temper the pronounced acidity. The wine bursts from the glass with an evocative bouquet of pear, red plum and fresh bread, mingling with vibrant citrus nuances. On the palate, it is deep, full-bodied and layered, showcasing remarkable concentration and a crystalline core of fruit. A bright spine of acidity and abundant chalky extract provide both structure and sensation of freshness, culminating in a persistent, reverberating finish. While this vintage is occasionally marked by subtle vegetal tones—attributable to incomplete ripening under hydric stress—this cuvée exhibits none of those elements. As Francis Egly notes, “It was all about the harvest date, and we certainly didn’t rush to pick the grapes.” Fine-boned and effortlessly graceful, this small release possesses all the attributes necessary for a long evolution.