Thierry Thibault "Extra Aged" Brut Champagne (Previously $35)

The Thierry Thibault Brut Champagne NV is so popular his other champagnes, the "Extra Aged" and "Blanc de Noirs," are denied the attention they deserve. The quality and value of the Brut should make you jump at the chance to sample the Extra Aged, which has a depth and complexity that only patience can attain. By the time the Extra Aged hits our shelves, it has been aged three years on the lees and another two years "on the cork." The context here is important. NV champagne only needs to be aged 15 months to carry the designation "Champagne." Three years on the lees in the minimum for VINTAGE champagne. Now, imagine you buy a NV champagne and stick it in your cellar for two years before opening it. That's what "on the cork" means. The Thibaults have been kind enough to age this champagne for five years before offering it to you for drinking. Rich, creamy, with great tension between the fruit, acidity, and toasty components, this is a delicious mineral driven sparkler that punches way above its price point.

The Extra Aged Brut is half Chardonnay, half Pinot Noir and Meunier.. Thibault has managed to find the perfect point of elegance and expression, with ripe stone fruits, exotic fruits and herbs, highlighted by chalky texture and toasty aromas while maintaining an overall freshness with great acidity. The extra time in bottle really goes a long way towards integrating flavors and rounding out edges, for just a few dollars more.

Like the regular Brut from Thibault, this stunning wine is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, but it's aged for 3 years on the lees and TWO years on the cork. This extra time on the cork really makes a fantastic difference. This wine feels more serious, like a vintage champagne. Savory notes of brioche and Gruyère are met by refreshing blasts of apple cider, Meyer lemon, and salinity. Incredibly complex and intense, this is a stunning wine for a shockingly fair price.

Thierry Thibault Extra Aged is a rather unique Champagne, this sees 3 years on the lees and then 2 years under cork before it is released. With that treatment this bring the flavors to a heighten level of golden apple, Asian pear, exotic spices and a sweet biscuit on the nose. Delicious and interesting is all I can say for this one!

This "Extra Aged" edition from Thierry Thibault begins its life just like Thibault's standard Brut: the grape blend is one third each Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, and the wine ages three years on the lees. The Extra Aged, however, then spends a full two years aging on the cork. That addition of time translates to a crazy amount of complexity. As with the Brut, I get scents of lemon pith, Granny Smith apple, and vanilla, but the elements here are heightened and gain more nuance. The vanilla tones in particular come out as fresh vanilla bean, but also creamy custardy pastry. More spices and toasted nuts come through in the richness of this Champagne with a touch of toastiness. If you have enjoyed the regular Brut from Thibault, then you would do well to give the Extra Aged a try. There are a lot of the same notes between the two Champagnes, but the added depth from those extra two years in aging is phenomenal with only a few dollars more in cost.

The Thierry Thibault "Extra Aged" Brut Champagne spends an extra two years aging on cork compared to the standard bottling compared to the standard bottling, and the benefits are profound. Those fresh green apple and juicy pear notes are lent extra texture and richness from the extra age, and it's an easy step up for a couple dollars more. Layers of toasted almond, roasted hazelnut, and bread dough add complexity and depth to an already delicious Champagne.

Thierry Thibault's Extra Aged Brut is a rich and delicious bottle of champagne. After 3 years of aging on the lees and an additional 2 years aging after disgorgement, the nose has elegant notes of toasted almond and hazelnut. Wonderfully concentrated flavors of yellow peach and ripe apple on the palate still finish fresh thanks to a clean line of acid. This bottle is all about the richness and round mouthfeel that long aging brings, but maintains the refreshing quality that I love in champagne.