Jacques Selosse "Initial" Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne
95JD
95RP
95WS
94DC
94JG
94VN
$499.99
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95
Jeb Dunnuck
Reviewed December 2024I love this release of the NV Champagne Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Initial, which comes from the 2018, 2017, and 2016 vintages and originates from the lower slopes in Avize, Cramant, and Oger. Golden straw-colored, it has a great deal of depth and complexity. It’s a touch volatile on opening, but that quickly blows off to reveal deeper aromatics of nectarine, smoky wet stones, citrus oils, toast, and praline. Full-bodied and both fruity and savory, with lovely extract and generosity and a pleasing warmth on the finish, this is stunning already and should provide a wide window for enjoyment over the coming 15 or so years.
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Professional Reviews
95
Wine Advocate
The latest release of the NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Initial, a cuvée that derives from the bottom part of the slopes mostly in Avize, Cramant and a bit of Oger, is based on the 2018 vintage with some 35% reserve wines from 2017 and 2016 and disgorged in June 2024 with two grams per liter dosage. Its relative generosity is informed by the mostly south-facing vines (with a minority facing east), and the topsoil here is less rich in clay and with more fragmented chalk bedrock compared to the higher-altitude parcels that produce Version Originale. Soaring from the glass with aromas of tangerine, beeswax and pear, it’s ample and demonstrative, balanced with vibrant acidity and chalky structuring extract bringing freshness to its rich core of fruit. When the tasting begins with such quality, there is no question you’re in the presence of genius. (KK)
95
Wine Spectator
This gorgeous blanc de blancs pulls you in with a subtle thread of enticing dried rose and incense accents. Plush on the palate, with pinpricks of effervescence and a rich underpinning of chopped hazelnut and salty minerality, all supporting flavors of quince paste and tangerine and hints of white truffle and herbes de Provence. Long and supple on the clean-cut finish. (AN)
94
Decanter
Any story of Champagne in the 21st century has to include Anselme Selosse as a major character, and his wines continue to display a deeply personal style that attracts loyal followers. Initial, a blend of Chardonnay from Avize, Oiry and Cramant and based on the 2017 vintage (with reserves from 2016 and 2015) is a fine way into the explosive, highly impactful style of deep umami savour, brine and cinnamon-bark spice over roasted lemons and baked apples, long and dynamic. (TH)
Details
| Origin | Champagne, France |
|---|---|
| Type/Varietal | Chardonnay |
| SKU | 1058702 |