Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Egly-Ouriet Brut Tradition Grand Cru (Champagne) NV

This non-vintage Champagne was disgorged in July 2006 and has been sitting in my cellar since May 2007. It’s a successful sparkler, but not a great one. Floral apple and buttermilk biscuit are the dominant flavor associations. My main criticism goes not to those flavors, which I liked, but to the wine’s texture. There is a certain lack of focus that verges on flabbiness. Of course, YMMV. After all, Robert Parker opines that “Egly-Ouriet fashions wines of substantial richness, more suited to those who desire vinosity over vivacity.” Personally, I prefer my sparkling wines to err on the side of vivaciousness than voluptuousness. I’d rather a wine remind me of Janet Blair than Mae West, if that helps explain where I’m coming from. Grade: B