.
.
Champagne Olivier Horiot, Ailleurs, 2018 (Deg 2022-11-22): 8 - this is superb. First time - I had the Envol before which was not as convincing at the time, but another bottle is waiting to be tested now.
Now about five hours after opening it balanced out quite well and shows a lovely mix of some exotic fruit (orange peel?) and spice on the nose, but all in a very restrained way. It's a very complex mix that is appearing elegantly. Structurally it is quite broad, showing all over the palate, tongue and roof in an acid-mineral-mix. This is multilayered but never heavy though not a typical apéritif Chardonnay either. It works well on its own, but can definitely do with some food.
.
Another winner from a great producer that always does interesting stuff. Whereas some of it sometimes seems a bit "experimental" with the shaky results that go with it, this is focused on craftsmanship. Not that I can really judge, but that's how it feels for the sake of description. It feels absolutely solid without any risks taken and with ripe, concentrated, preserved fruit. This is without any dosage but never nerdy stuff. It is rich and juicy.
.
#olivierhoriot #champagnehoriot #lehmannglass