The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. For Henriot, in order to make a Rosé Millésimé, the year must offer strong personalities and expressions of a character and 2012 vintage was able to provide this profile of wines.
“This ageworthy vintage cuvée is blended from six villages: Trépail, Mailly-Champagne, Verzenay and Avenay on the Montagne de Reims, and Avize and Chouilly in the Côtes des Blancs. Age-derived complexities are already emerging on the overt and richly fruity nose. It has a lovely aromatic depth, with dark, spicy and roasted coffee notes mixing with fruitcake and crystallised fruits of the exotic kind. A complex mix of red and yellow fruit. If the nose is showing evolution, the palate remains remarkably youthful. Concentrated and fruity, with a very tight, saline acid line bringing focus to the rich whole. Already delightful, but this will age tremendously well. Dosage 6g/l”
93/100 Essi Avellan – Henriot Rose Millesime 2012
“Pretty orange-toned salmon colour, with depth gained by a 10% Aÿ red wine addition. The key crus of this refined yet powerful rosé are Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Avenay and Mutigny, on the Montagne de Reims. The rich Pinot nose seems highly youthful for the time being, not having moved much beyond primary fruitiness. Full of ripe cherry fruit, with pencil shavings and exotic spices. The palate comes with equal Pinot power and even a firming bite of tannin. There’s lots of volume here, but freshness too. This has moved very little since I tasted it 18 months ago, which promises extreme longevity. Dosage 7g/l”
