EGLY-OURIET CHAMPAGNE EXTRA BRUT 'VP' GRAND CRU NV

"V.P." stands for Vieillissement Prolongé — extended aging — and this Grand Cru blend spends 84 months on the lees, the longest of any cuvée in the Egly-Ouriet lineup. Organically farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay are fermented with indigenous yeasts in barrel (10% new), without malolactic fermentation, then bottled at 3g/L unfined and unfiltered. The 60% 2015 base brings concentration and depth; reserves from 2014 and 2013 add freshness and precision. Pear, green apple, honeycomb, crushed mint, and baked bread on the nose; medium-to-full-bodied, layered, and saline, with a long chalky finish.