Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

Orchard fruit, macadamia, hazelnut and brioche nose. The palate shows cooked apples and has a gastronomic intensity. Fine bittersweet finish.

Based on the 2014 vintage, complemented by fully 35% reserve wines, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Essentiel was disgorged in 2019 with 4.8 grams per liter dosage—and the confluence of more reserve wines and more wine on cork gives this the edge over the other current releases I tasted from Piper-Heidsieck this year. Offering up aromas of yellow orchard fruit, nectarine, toasted nuts, warm biscuits and candied peel, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and nicely concentrated, with brisk acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse, concluding with a flavorful finish.

Mis en cave en 2014, sa couleur or caramélisée traduit parfaitement le registre de ces parfums de pâte de noisette et de fleurs blanches séchées. A l'intérieur de cet environnement gourmand, la fraîcheur se dissimule, l'on entrevois le confit et la respiration humide des champignons d'automne. La bouche est corpulente, enveloppée, son intérieur vibre de tension à l'acidulé ardent.