ANTONIO GALONI 94 POINTS-"The NV Code Noir is another gorgeous wine in this range. Classy and polished to the core, the Code Noir offers notable richness and yet also remains very much nuanced and light on its feet. Candied lemon peel, almond, anise and white chocolate all flesh out. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, based on the 2012 vintage, with 40% reserve wines. There is so much to like. Disgorged October 18, 2017."
After a too long hiatus, the Champagnes of Claude Giraud are once again available in California. This is great news as he crafts some of the most vinous, individualistic wines in Champagne and the house has earned an avid cult following in France. His "Code Noir" is probably our favorite bottling as it best typifies the firm's full throttle, masculine style. The fruit is all drawn from the Grand Cru village of Aÿ and was vinified in new Argonne forest barrels. This Champagne impresses with the way the oak is seamlessly fused with the wine's deep-seated red fruit and mineral flavors. An exciting, grand Champagne all on its own, but one that would be out of this world when paired with a Christmas goose or other savory holiday fare.
After a too long hiatus, the Champagnes of Claude Giraud are once again available in California. This is great news as he crafts some of the most vinous, individualistic wines in Champagne and the house has earned an avid cult following in France. His "Code Noir" is probably our favorite bottling as it best typifies the firm's full throttle, masculine style. The fruit is all drawn from the Grand Cru village of Aÿ and was vinified in new Argonne forest barrels. This Champagne impresses with the way the oak is seamlessly fused with the wine's deep-seated red fruit and mineral flavors. An exciting, grand Champagne all on its own, but one that would be out of this world when paired with a Christmas goose or other savory holiday fare.
