Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru V.P 750ml

The V.P stands for Vieillissement Prolongé (prolonged aging), as this wine spends an extended period on lees—in the case of this release, 84 months. Like the Grand Cru Brut, this is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, and the fruit again comes from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay—all Grand Cru terroirs. Vinification and the first aging period are in oak casks; the dosage was only two grams per litre.

Those who have tasted this cuvée in the past know that the power of the fruit, plus the extended lees aging, grants so much harmony, length, complexity and texture. That’s precisely what you get here: a vinous, powerful, super-pure Champagne. Intense and statuesque, yet with so much class. 2015 is clearly a powerful year, bringing depth, while the older vintages bring freshness and finesse. Already impressive, it’s still very young and deserves to be kept for a few more years before being opened.