2016 Robert Moncuit Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru

Other Reviews...
Issuing from five southeast-parcels planted in the 1960s within the same plot of land, Robert Moncuit’s 2016 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Les Chétillons is the most incisive wine in the cellar. Sitting almost directly on chalk (with just 10 centimeters of clay on top), which acts as a sponge and redistributes the water in the event of drought, it is tauter than the enveloping, more generously structured Vozémieux. “Whatever the vintage, it is always the terroir that stands out,” explains Pierre Amillet. Framed by élevage in 350-liter barrels from Burgundy (maturing for 10 months on the lees), it unfurls from the glass to reveal notes of hazelnut, oyster shell, lime zest and smoke. It is a wine with an incisive profile and subtle complexity, laden with electric acids and concluding with a searingly chalky finish. In short, it’s a typical Mesnil when vinified in wood. Disgorged in February 2023 without dosage, it will richly reward a few years of patience. Drink 2024-2038.
94 points
Kristaps Karklins - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

The 2016 Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Les Chétillons Grand Cru picked in the eponymous site in Oger, spent 60 months on lees after the base wines fermented spontaneously in oak. Despite being labeled extra brut, it has zero dosage. The nose opens with wonderfully enticing smoky reduction that blends into creamy dried corn husk. The palate offers salty, buttery shortcrust pastry, smooth and melting yet somehow taut, bright and fresh. The oaky creaminess shines through but does not detract from the serene, elongating lemon brightness, all supported by the finest mousse. A gorgeous, smooth and stunning Blanc de Blancs. Zero dosage. Disgorged: February 2023. Drink 2024-2050.
96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

This pulls you in with aromas of lime and grapefruit peel and a hint of almond blossom, followed by some salted almond and light toffee. Toast, too. It builds on the palate with rich flavors, yet elegance and so much freshness. Tight bubbles. Very long and complex. 100% chardonnay. Unfiltered. No dosage. Disgorged February 2023. Drink or hold.
97 points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com