The NV Jacques Selosse Blanc de Blancs Brut Initiale is an exemplary Champagne blend produced by Jacques Selosse in the renowned Champagne region of France. This wine is characterized by its white color and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. With an alcohol content of 12.0%, this blend has received notable praise from several distinguished wine reviewers.
James Suckling awarded this Champagne an impressive score of 97, describing it as having a "very pronounced and wonderfully complex nose of persimmon, egg yolk, cinnamon, tarte tatin, caramel, mango pastry, apricot tart and spice box." He further noted the full-bodied palate that "feathers a fine line between sheer power, luscious dried fruit and laser-guided acidity," concluding with a "very long and intense finish." According to Suckling, this wine can be enjoyed immediately or held for future enjoyment.
Wine Spectator also provided an excellent review, scoring it 95 points. The publication highlighted its enticing qualities, stating, "This gorgeous blanc de blancs pulls you in with a subtle thread of enticing dried rose and incense accents." The wine was praised for its "plush palate, with pinpricks of effervescence and a rich underpinning of chopped hazelnut and salty minerality," which supports flavors of "quince paste and tangerine" with hints of "white truffle and herbes de Provence." The finish was described as "long and supple" and clean-cut.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated it 94, noting its complexity and vinous character. William Kelley emphasized its aromas of "pear, dried fruits, confit lemon, fenugreek, fresh bread and toasted almonds." Kelley also pointed out that it is a "rich, fleshy Champagne" underpinned by "bright acids and complemented by a pinpoint mousse," concluding with a "long, sapid finish."
Vinous, represented by Antonio Galloni, gave it a score of 92, describing the wine as "very pretty, soft" with a "tropical, exotic flair." Galloni appreciated its "Lemon confit, tangerine peel, spice, marzipan and white flowers," and noted its medium body and appealing nature.
Jeb Dunnuck’s review, scored at 94, highlighted the wine's "golden straw hue" and "brothy aromas of apricot, Meyer lemon, and baked bread." Audrey Frick described it as "supple and inviting," with a "rounded mouthfeel" and a "rich, chalky texture" that includes a savory salinity and a broad, almond-noted finish.
Lastly, The Wine Independent scored it at 95, with Sarah Mayo praising its "rich lemon curd, citrus confit, white grapefruit, butter pastry and acacia honey" aromas. The palate was noted for its "rich depth of citrus fruit concentration" and "vibrant, undulating acidity," leading to an "incredible length" finish.
Overall, the NV Jacques Selosse Blanc de Blancs Brut Initiale is a highly praised Champagne blend with a complex and rich profile, suitable for both immediate enjoyment and aging.