As the name suggests, Eric Rodez’s Grand Vintages is a rich, powerful and very much “grand” wine in the tradition of Krug (where Eric learned his craft).  It is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from the best vintages.  Eric ages all of these base wines in used oak and blocks malolactic fermentation to maximize freshness and vibrancy.  Then the carefully crafted blend spends 8 full years on the lees before being disgorged. The dosage is ultra-low at 3 g/l - so this could be labeled "Extra Brut," but there's so much richness and depth here that "Brut" seems more appropriate to Eric.

This year’s release is explosive on the nose and palate, pumping out big notes of lemon curd, caramel, toasted nuts, baking bread, crushed chalk, and more. The flavors just balloon out to fill your entire palate and finish with layer upon layer of mouthwatering pie crust, lemon curd, hazelnut, crushed stone and salty caramel flavor.  Try holding some for even more richness!

Robert Parker 92 points