Pierre Paillard Bouzy Grand Cru Les Grande Recolte Champagne 2012

La Grande Récolte is the flagship vintage cuvée from Pierre Paillard, sourced from Bouzy Grand Cru vineyards. The 2012 vintage combines a blend of old vine 70% Pinot Noir with 30% Chardonnay, reflecting both power and elegance. Long ageing on lees provides layered complexity, while the Grand Cru fruit delivers depth and structure. Produced only in exceptional years and in limited quantities, it represents the pinnacle of the domaine’s craftsmanship; 1g/l of dosage

Disgorged in January 2023 with a dosage of one gram per liter, the 2012 Bouzy Grand Cru La Grande Récolte hails from a time when Antoine Paillard had already begun working alongside his father during harvest and vinification, although some changes have since taken place, particularly in terms of yield management and refinement of barrel program. Derived from four old-vine parcels, it’s showing very well, displaying only the earliest signs of maturity, soaring from the glass with a bouquet of dried flowers, pear and brioche, mingling with orange zest. Medium to full-bodied, ample and concentrated, with bright acidity, firm chalky grip and a precise, mineral finish, it is elegant and refreshingly racy. Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate