It's always puzzled me that the remarkable, terroir-expressive champagnes of André Clouet never seem to come up among the rockstar growers of Champagne. And yet on the basis of his current cuvées, I have again anointed this little grower in the grand cru village of Bouzy among the top six growers in Champagne. This of course places him among the top sparkling growers on earth. My scores rank him equal to Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer and Taittinger. And that's mighty company! Tyson Stelzer.
Made from 100% pinot noir from Grand Crus vineyards in the Bouzy subregion. Four years en tirage. It has an almost perfumed aroma with chocolate box, cherry blossom flavours and a good influence of bready and toasted nut autolysis. Date Tasted: December 2021; Rating: 95 Points; Bob Campbell; Master of Wine; The Real Review.
"I just can't get enough of it - especially at this price. A delicious wine made from 100 per cent pinot noir with all the richness and definition that variety offers. There's plenty of fine bead, red fruits mingled with citrus, and earthy, warm spice, zesty and dry on the finish. It builds on the palate and is quite voluptuous, almost full- bodied for champagne. Jane Faulkner; Age Epicure."
"I was only able to taste one new release from Andre Clouet this year. The NV Brut Grande Reserve emerges from the glass with layers of hazelnut, pear, spice and dried flower aromas. This rich, creamy wine impresses for its balance and sheer richness. I loved it. Antonio Galloni; Vinous"
"Strong and lush, very creamy, mild acidity, great perlage, very intense and expressive. You could easily decant it. No branded champagne can achieve this extremely good substance in terms of quality. Fantastically creamy apple note, nuts and pear in the aftertaste, infinitely charming and everybody’s darling. Unique in the price range. Lobenberg 93 points."
