The NV Henri Giraud Brut Hommage Au Pinot Noir is a rosé Champagne produced by Henri Giraud in France’s renowned Champagne region. This wine, composed entirely of Pinot Noir, presents a diverse range of flavors and aromatic profiles, garnering praise from several respected reviewers.
James Suckling gave the wine an impressive score of 94, highlighting its “vibrant and saline” nature, with a “medium body, tangy acidity and a textured, almost oily palate.” He noted the wine’s serious and structured character, with “notes of grapefruit, salted almonds, apricot skin and stones,” and described its tight bubbles as “gourmand.” This Champagne includes 40% perpetual reserve wines and offers flexibility for drinking now or holding for later.
The Wine Spectator awarded this wine a 93, commenting on its harmonious profile and the presence of “tea rose, lime blossoms and star anise” that provide a fragrant backdrop. The texture is likened to “fine, raw silk,” enriching the flavors of “raw almond, crème de cassis, steeped raspberry and candied pink grapefruit zest.” This wine is recommended for consumption now through 2028.
Vinous, with a score of 91, praised the NV Hommage au Pinot Noir for its approachable style, noting that it offers “plenty of Henri Giraud character.” Antonio Galloni mentioned that it “oozes with Pinot charm,” with flavors of “kirsch, plum, cinnamon, dried flowers and cedar.” This release is based on the 2019 vintage and includes 40% reserve wines, with a dosage of 5 grams per liter, and was disgorged in April 2023.
According to The Wine Independent, which rated it 93, this Blanc de Noirs has an “open knit, redolent and rich nose” with “notes of red berry coulis, baked peaches, butter pastry, acacia honey and an oxidized nutty note.” Sarah Mayo described the palate as “medium to full-bodied” with “incredible acid freshness” and a “pure red fruit core” that leads to an “elegant, long finish.”
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 92, describing it as “bronze and notably open-stanced” with flavors of “roasted apple, dried pear and bay leaf.” The Pinot Noir expression is pronounced, with “raspberry tart and dried apricot richness” and a touch of wildness. The wine stands out for its oxygen influence, appealing to certain aficionados of this style.
Overall, the NV Henri Giraud Brut Hommage Au Pinot Noir is a well-regarded Champagne with varied yet consistently high praise, particularly noted for its vibrant acidity, rich flavors, and elegant finish.