A special champagne worthy of a special occasion. One of the best champagnes I've had and a stellar drop. Such complexity yet elegance in a glass. Layered perfection. Happy 3 years anniversary to me and Singlife. — a year ago
My champagne of the year. 80% pinot noir and 20% charddy, 100% delicious. So much going on with its melange of flavours. A pretty bold drop both lively and heavy at the same time. — 2 years ago
Citrus, fruity, plum, sour, chalk. Pinot Noir 80% Chardonnay 20% Slight salty. It has structure. Henri Giraud Esprit Nature G AY Blend @13200, Dmar, 250424 — 6 months ago
Absolutely incredible. Baked apple pie, crêpes with lemon juice, pear juice, toast, roasted almonds, butter, white miso paste, lemon grass and stemmed ginger.
So much power on the palate with a full body and intensity. Incredible — a year ago
Lots of depth and layers. — 2 years ago
Champagne ratafia was described as the champagne before fermentation. Champagne ratafia is a rare and very aromatic natural sweet wine. Crazy aromatics would be a better description. This wine made me reconsider my “not a fan of sweet wine” stance.
It’s Paris so it’s always going to be about the food and the wine. A rule to remember — when in France, don’t knock the lesser known wines because you may find a gem. Yesterday was a great start.
@Le Bon George — 3 years ago


I’ve enjoyed Henri Giraud’s champagnes for a while, and was able to visit last Nov. This ratafia champenois was quite fun and worthy of a few bottles being brought home. From a solera of 1990-2016 vintages.
Followed over a few months (love that the wine comes with its own dedicated stopper to help preserve).
First whiff reminds me of some Cognacs I’ve had with a combo of sweet concentrated fruit (raisins) and heat, before showing a honeyed profile. There’s no nutty Sauternes like profile, but the palate is texturally similar without being cloying. Orange marmalade and golden raspberries dominate the flavors. Little bright herbal-flair, but this still shows some Cognac type flavors without the ABV punch. The oxidation is balanced and not detracting. Really enjoyable. — 10 months ago
Andrew Cullimore
No formal notes . Medium deep lemon yellow . Quite deep rich fruited nose , with citrus peel , yellow plum and brioche . Quite round and rich on the palate , again the brioche , yellow fruits and orange peel . Good length and balance , but probably needs a bit of food. At Vinous Icons NY, Pier 60, Feb 2025 — 3 months ago