AYALA 'Le Blanc de Blancs' - Cote des Blancs 2015/16/18 Bottle/nc 12%abv (Chardonnay)

Description

IN BRIEF
Ayala's Blanc de Blancs 2016 is a distinguished Champagne crafted entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the finest Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs. This exceptional wine showcases the elegance and finesse associated with the Ayala estate. It presents a lovely pale golden colour, with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose offers an enticing bouquet of fresh citrus fruits, pear, and green apple, complemented by delicate floral aromas and subtle mineral hints. On the palate, it is vibrant and lively, featuring crisp acidity that enhances its refreshing character. Flavours of zesty lemon, white peach, and almond create a long, finely textured finish. Rated 93 points by James Suckling and Decanter, it pairs beautifully with seafood and light dishes, making it ideal for special occasions.

ABOUT THIS WINE - 2016 vintage
Ayala 'Le Blanc de Blancs' is a distinguished Champagne that exemplifies the elegance and finesse associated with this prestigious house. Crafted entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the finest Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, this Champagne showcases the purity and complexity that Chardonnay can achieve in the region.

Upon pouring, 'Le Blanc de Blancs' presents a beautiful pale golden colour with fine, persistent bubbles that dance in the glass. The nose is an alluring bouquet of fresh citrus fruits, pear, and green apple, enriched with delicate floral aromas and hints of minerality that reflect the terroir of the esteemed vineyards from which it originates.

On the palate, Ayala 'Le Blanc de Blancs' is vibrant and lively, featuring a crisp acidity that enhances its refreshing character. Flavours of zesty lemon, white peach, and a touch of almond unfold gracefully, leading to a long and finely textured finish. The wine is both elegant and expressive, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate the nuances of high-quality Champagne.

This exquisite Champagne is perfect for celebratory occasions or as an indulgent treat enjoyed on its own. It pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, including seafood, particularly oysters and scallops, as well as light salads and soft cheeses.

Overall, Ayala 'Le Blanc de Blancs' is a testament to the artistry of Champagne production, showcasing the dedication of the Ayala house to crafting wines of exceptional quality and character. Whether enjoyed during a special celebration or savoured as a luxurious everyday treat, this Champagne is sure to impress and delight.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
This is really delicious, with buttered-brioche and bread-dough character. It's full bodied but not heavy. Just rich and plush. Creamy and round-textured. Extremely long aftertaste. Pure chardonnay. Aged six years on the lees. 5 g/l dosage. Drink now.

DECANTER 93 points
Tasted by: Tom Hewson, Alan Bednarski, Shane Jones
(at Decanter tasting suite, London, 02 Nov 2023)
Part of How to pair wines with chicken
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2033
Lime, smoke, and hazelnut aromas, with a lovely brown tarty pastry note and some dried tropical fruits and cocoa. Fresh acidity with flavours of lemon, lime juice, basil, apple and a bit of white pepper. Toasty and rounded.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92 points
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
Drink Date: 2024 - 2035
Disgorged in January 2023 with a dosage of 5.4 grams per liter, the 2016 Collection N°16 Blanc de Blancs offers an expressive bouquet of nashi pear, white peach and lily, mingling with lemon zest and quince. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, ample and textural, laden with racy acids and enlivened by a pillowy mousse, before concluding with a long, precise finish. Composed of 50% Chardonnay and 50% heritage varieties—Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc—it is a fleshy and charming Champagne, ideally suited for gastronomic pairings at the table.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 92 points
A blend of fruit from the Côte des Blancs, this fine, crisp apple-flavored Champagne is taut, tightly textured and with plenty of aging potential. Drink from 2025. — Roger Voss

VINOUS 90 points
The 2016 Le Blanc de Blancs is one of the better wines I have tasted here of late. Exuberant and quite expressive, the 2016 soars with cents of lemon confit, marzipan and sweet spice, all in a forward, open-knit style that offers good near-term appeal. All this needs is a bit more focus in its bouquet, but is still a big step up from the past. Light tropical accents linger on the close. - Antonio Galloni

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ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Champagne Ayala is a distinguished winery located in the heart of the prestigious Champagne region of France, specifically in the village of Aÿ, known for its exceptional terroir and dedication to quality. Founded in 1860 by the visionary Edmond Ayala, this house has built a solid reputation for crafting elegant and refined champagnes that embody the essence of the region.

The vineyards of Champagne Ayala span several premier cru and grand cru sites, with a strong emphasis on sustainable viticulture and responsible farming practices. The estate primarily cultivates Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which are essential for producing their celebrated cuvées. The cool climate and chalky soils of the Champagne region contribute to the distinctiveness of Ayala's wines, offering a balance of freshness and complexity.

Ayala is particularly renowned for its signature style, characterized by a focus on purity and expression. The house is known for producing a range of champagnes, including its flagship Brut Majeur, which is celebrated for its bright acidity, fine bubbles, and layered aromas of citrus, green apple, and subtle toast. The meticulous attention to detail in the winemaking process, combined with a commitment to aging its wines longer than the minimum required by law, results in champagnes that are not only approachable but also complex and age-worthy.

The philosophy at Champagne Ayala emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural qualities of the grapes to shine through. This approach, combined with the traditional méthode champenoise, ensures that each bottle reflects the identity of its terroir and the artistry of its winemakers.

As Ayala continues to thrive in the competitive world of champagne, it remains dedicated to its heritage and the pursuit of excellence. Each bottle captures a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and a passion for quality, inviting wine lovers to experience the elegance and sophistication that define Champagne Ayala. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with gourmet cuisine, Ayala's champagnes offer a delightful celebration of the artistry of fine winemaking.