With its 2015 Vintage, Maison Henriot presents a particularly bold interpretation of a year marked by extreme weather conditions. True to the philosophy initiated by Apolline Henriot—“to reveal the identity of the great Champagne terroirs through time”—this cuvée pays homage to a sun-drenched harvest while preserving the elegance and freshness that characterize the house’s style. The 2015 vintage was shaped by a succession of intense heat and persistent drought throughout the entire growing season. Despite these extremely hot conditions, Henriot sought to capture not only the natural richness of the year, but above all its balance and tension. The blend consists exclusively of wines from carefully selected Premiers and Grands Crus: Trépail, Verzy, Verzenay, and Avenay in the Montagne de Reims, as well as Avize and Vertus in the Côte des Blancs. This mosaic of terroirs allows for a combination of depth, structure, and mineral finesse. After blending, the wine undergoes a long aging process of over eight years in the cellar. This maturation period imparts great aromatic complexity to the champagne, as well as a particularly refined texture.
The color displays a luminous golden hue with fine, even effervescence, immediately signaling a wine of great precision. The nose is intense, deep, and remarkably elegant. Upon opening, notes of ripe black fruit emerge, mingled with a pronounced mineral character. Woody and slightly smoky nuances then enrich the bouquet, adding depth and complexity without ever overpowering the fruit. The overall profile retains great distinction and remarkable freshness despite the sunny character of the vintage. The palate impresses with its architectural precision. The attack, clean and chiseled, quickly reveals a dense yet perfectly controlled body. Mineral tension structures the wine from start to finish, supporting flavors of ripe fruit, delicate spices, and slightly toasty notes. The texture combines power and finesse with great momentum and depth. The long, elegant finish stands out for its lingering freshness and great elegance, giving the wine a remarkable sense of solidity and purity.
Henriot 2015 is the perfect accompaniment to refined gourmet cuisine. It pairs particularly well with scallops served with a leek and black truffle fondue, enhancing both the delicacy, the melt-in-the-mouth texture, and the aromatic richness of the dish.
