Brunch @ Royal Canadian Yacht Club. March 2007
This venerable champagne house has been around since 1808 and remains to this day in the hands of the Henriot family, with Stanislas Henriot running things now. It's a lesser known house and is among the more high-end champagnes, with the majority of the grapes coming from the fine cru vineyards.Stanislas hosted a very tasty stand-up brunch at the appropriately stuffy RCYC mansion on St. George St. back in March. Now, finally, two of the champagnes we tried are available on consignment (minimum order: one case of six bottles). When it's time for fine, Henriot will be deliver for you. And so will Woodman Wines and Spirits, the importer (416-767-5114 - ask for Jason).
Available on consignment order
Brut Souverein NV (non-vintage) $59 ** BEST VALUE **
This house standard is very bubbly and very sharp. It's very much in the brut style. Not overly biscuitty and not a lot of fruit on the palate, but very fresh and light, giving a great finish with biscuitty notes more pronounced. 90 points.
Brut Rosé NV (non-vintage) $71
Super pale salmon colour with red berry fruit on the nose and some slight notes of oxidation. This one is more complex and not quite so sharp. Some oxidation on the palate, which is very light and leads to a nice finish of red fruit. The more you drink it, the more you like it. Very elegant. 90 points.
Available through private order
Vintage Brut 1998. $88
Rich nose of stone fruit. Plums. Pronounced notes of oxidation. On the palate, the acidity is very crisp - sharp with notes of lemon. Less oxidaton on the palate & great small bubbles. Terrific and complex finish with several layers of flavours. 91 points.
Cuvée des Enchanteleurs 1995. $195
Medium nose with yeast and biscuit notes. Very sharp on the palate and very fresh, even after all these years. Extremely dry with muted yellow fruit. Excellent and complex finish. This one will last several years more at least. 93 points.
Vintage Brut 1990. $195 (magnum)
The beautiful golden colour shows the age on this one, as does the modest oxidation on the nose. This follows through on the palate, which retains crisp acidity and nice lemon notes. Great finish with another complex range of flavours. 91 points.
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