The 2012 Henri Giraud Argonne Champagne is a distinguished blend from France's Champagne region, crafted predominantly from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, all sourced from the village of Aÿ. This vintage has garnered highly favorable reviews from leading wine critics, consistently scoring in the upper echelons.
James Suckling lauds it as an "extraordinary, hand-crafted Champagne," awarding it a near-perfect score of 99. He notes its "aromas of strawberries, spice, dried apples, clementines, and subtle bread dough," emphasizing its full-bodied nature and the "solid core of fruit" that complements its extensive finish. He highlights its aging process, with 15 months in new wood followed by further maturation in the bottle, suggesting it as one for the cellar due to its "superb structure and complexity."
Decanter echoes this praise, scoring the wine at 98 points. They describe the bouquet as "sumptuous" with hints of mint and anise, coupled with the texture that is "fleshy, almost creamy" yet "perfectly balanced." The review appreciates the Champagne's ability to maintain a "vinous and delicate" style, accentuated by a "stream of very fine bubbles." With only 5,000 bottles produced and a dosage of 6g/L, this Champagne is noted for its exclusivity and precision.
Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through reviewer William Kelley, also awards a score of 98, emphasizing the wine's brilliance after additional time in the bottle. Kelley highlights its "notes of golden orchard fruit, dried citrus peel, tarte tatin, warm spices, walnuts, and toasted bread," underlining its "full-bodied, deep and concentrated" profile. He predicts a promising evolution with further aging, due to its "superb concentration" and "delicate pinpoint mousse."
Overall, the 2012 Henri Giraud Argonne is a Champagne of remarkable complexity and finesse, praised for its exceptional craftsmanship and potential for aging.