Champagne Henriot 2005
Champagne Henriot has not been fortunate with the naming of its prestige cuvé. It was once Cuvée Baccarat, but they had to ‘surrender’ that name after a few years. The name Baccarat is the property of a producer of crystal glass. It then became Cuvée des Enchanteleurs. The beautiful wine was therefore given a beautiful, poetic and historical name. But yes, unpronounceable – as it turned out – by English speakers (and there are quite a few in the world). So after careful consideration, Henriot had to decide to change the name for the second time. Beginning of the year 2005, it became Cuvée Hemera (think of Greek mythology).
The Cuvée Hemera 2005 is therefore the worthy successor of the Cuvée des Enchanteleurs 2000.
It is not just a name change. Things have also changed in the production, so in the style of the wine. To say the least, the Enchanteleurs were slightly autumnal and the Hemera was just like spring.
That is the hand of Laurent Fresnet, the chef de cave, who came in November 2005 and could therefore determine the assembly of this prestige cuvée for the first time in February 2006. It is a blend of 50 percent chardonnay and 50 percent pinot noir of pure grands crus. The wine has been in sur lattes for 12 years.
It is again a brilliant wine, a virtuoso champagne. Super refined with great intensity, length and harmony.
And indeed in the nose you experience spring: hawthorn. lime blossom, acacia blossom – very expressive and yet sophisticated. Rich and broad on the palate, elegant and long with citrus, pear, peach, tropical fruit and vanilla.
A more than worthy successor to all those wonderful Baccarats and Enchanters.
