Dhondt-Grellet Cramant (2018 base) Extra Brut Champagne

In 1986, Eric Dhondt and Edith Grellet decided to stop selling off grapes to negociants and started Dhondt-Grellet. Their focus on farming translated into honest Champagnes from great holdings across the Côte des Blancs. Now with their son, Adrien, assuming a larger role, they are refocusing their efforts and producing some of the best Champagnes they ever have. Nowadays the company is lead by Eric and Adrian.

The vineyard is situated primarily in Grands and Premiers Crus of Cote des Blancs namely Cramant, Chouilly, Cuis but also Sézanne for their Chardonnays. They also cultivate some Pinot Noir in the Vallée the la Marne. Mainly located in mid hillsides on easy to work, very lightweight calcareous soils, their plots enjoy an outstanding location and a southeast exposure. The average age of the vines is 40 years. They also have their own cellars in Flavigny to age the wines before bringing them on the market.

Other Reviews....
Generous and dramatic, Dhondt's NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cramant (2018) bursts with aromas of citrus oil, orchard fruit, white flowers, walnuts and fenugreek, exhibiting only hints of the toasty nuances to come. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and layered, with a fleshy, enveloping core of fruit, lively acids and a long, chalky finish. Like all these 2018-base bottlings, it's quite forward out of the gates, yet there's the structure here to sustain bottle age too. Drink 2021 - 2031.
94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

Vinified in barrique, the NV Champagne Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is from 55-year-old vines and is 70% from the 2018 vintage, with the remainder perpetual reserve wine. It has a lovely perfume with soft florality, almond croissant, ripe green apple, and lemon curd. The palate is vibrant, crystalline, and pure, and it is long on the palate but weightless, with a fine chalky texture. This is pure elegance with a classic appeal that is hard to resist now, although it will continue to improve over the next two decades. Disgorged May 2021. Drink 2024-2042.
94+ points
Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com