Bruno Paillard Dosage Zero (W&S94)

Country:             France
Region:               Champagne Rating:                W&S94, RP90, WS91
Grape Variety:  Champagne Blend
Type of Wine:   Champagne
Bottle Size:        750ml

Wine & Spirits 94
This is the first new cuvée to be introduced by Alice Paillard, who took over management of the house from her father in 2017. Like the Première Cuvée, it is a blend from 30 crus, this one including one-third Pinot Meunier from the right bank of the Marne Valley, the balance equal parts chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims. This is a fascinating wine, the most vinous of Paillard’s current releases, offering quiet scents of fresh pear, dried caramel and honeycomb without any hint of sweetness. While Champagne without dosage can sometimes be aggressive in its textures or flavors, this one is delicate. The wine’s stamina seems to grow out of its rich flavor depth, extending into a luscious texture and compelling persistence.

By Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 90
The straw-yellow to white-golden colored first release starts with an elegant, pure, fresh and vinous bouquet of white fruit and apple compote aromas with a lovely oxidative and chalky citrus touch. Pure, lean and fresh on the palate, this is a bone-dry yet fine, elegant, well-structured and grippy Champagne with beautifully ripe but discreet and food-friendly fruit. Have the 'DZ' cuvée with a starter (with oysters!) or fresh (and possibly raw) white fish from the ocean. The wine has a good, mineral finish with white fruit and some lemon flavors.

Wine Spectator 91
Vivid acidity and a streak of salinity drive the tightly meshed notes of poached pear, lemon pastry cream and biscuit. Offers a firm and minerally finish. Disgorged January 2018. Best after 2019.