Overview of the Wine
Francis Egly is the fourth generation of the Egly family to make wines from their exceptionally located, old vine vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay (home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir that can be found in all of Champagne), where he is considered the finest grower. Francis took over from his father Michel in 1980, with the intent and commitment to take these already revered Pinot Noir dominant Champagnes to the absolute apex of quality. He began using organic methods in the vineyards, with regular ploughing, and reduced yields. Once the grapes enter his cellar, Francis makes sure to only allow for the gentlest possible extraction, of which he only keeps the purest first pressing (known as the cuvée). Francis believes deeply that complexity and structure comes not only from perfect fruit, but also from extended lees aging. This belief is felt throughout his lineup, with most of his wines undergoing a minimum of 48 months on the lees with some cuvees being aged for 100+ months! All of this meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar has led to his standing by both his peers, critics and Champagne lovers across the world as one of the greatest growers in all of France.

Organic.

5 Fascinating Facts About Egly-Ouriet

Winemaker
Francis Egly

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Meunier

Origin
Ambonnay, Champagne, France

Tasting Notes
Aromas of apricots, herbs, light cream. Supple and fresh; harmonious and balanced. Smoked salmon; Asian-inspired cuisine, especially sushi.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The terrific NV Champagne Premier Cru Les Vignes De Vrigny is a rich, powerful, full-bodied yet incredibly elegant effort that offers a rare mix of both richness and freshness. Plenty of orchard fruits, some stone minerality, a vibrant, seamless mousse, and a crisp finish all make for a viscerally thrilling Champagne that I’m sure will keep for at least another decade. This cuvée is all Pinot Meunier and it shows in the depth and richness on the palate.

94 Points - Vinous
The NV Vieilles Vignes de Vrigny (Meunier) is one of the best vintages of this cuvée I can remember tasting. Bright and finely cut, the Vieilles Vignes sizzles with tension from start to finish. Dried pear, spice, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper all race out of the glass. Meunier has rarely been so refined, so nuanced. Give this a year or two to unwind. Dosage is 2 grams per liter.

94 Points - Wine Spectator
Bright and deeply golden in color, with a rich nose of roasted nut and a fine, pointillist bead carrying notes of dried raspberry, white truffle, quince paste, chamomile and oyster shell. Soft orange peel acidity and a tang of salinity keep this fresh on the palate and drive the long, creamy finish. Reminiscent of Spain's Viña Gravonia Rioja Blanco, but with bubbles.

92 Points - James Suckling
This is a stylish and rich Champagne with peach, orange peel and hints of pie crust character on the nose and palate. Dense and rich yet agile and fresh. A delicious Champagne offering more than just an aperitif. Drink now.

91 Points - Wine Advocate
The NV Brut Premier Cru Les Vignes de Vrigny emerges from the glass with warm, toasty notes that lead to an expressive core of pears, nuts, spices, licorice and flowers. The Vignes de Vrigny develops lovely amber, burnished tones in the glass that add complexity to the fruit. This mid-weight Champagne should continue to drink beautifully for at least a few years. The Vignes de Vrigny is 100% Pinot Meunier that spent 36 months on its lees prior to being disgorged in July, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016.

 Product size: 750ml